Flatworm: meaning, definitions and examples
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flatworm
[ ˈflætˌwɜrm ]
biological classification
Flatworms are a group of invertebrates belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes. They are characterized by their flat, soft bodies and lack of a coelom. Flatworms can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including freshwater, marine environments, and as parasites in other organisms.
Synonyms
Platyhelminth, planarian, tapeworm.
Examples of usage
- The flatworm can regenerate parts of its body.
- Researchers study flatworms to understand regeneration.
- Some flatworms exhibit remarkable colors in the ocean.
Translations
Translations of the word "flatworm" in other languages:
🇵🇹 verme achatado
🇮🇳 चपटा कृमि
🇩🇪 Plattwurm
🇮🇩 cacing pipih
🇺🇦 плоский черв
🇵🇱 płazińce
🇯🇵 扁形動物
🇫🇷 ver plat
🇪🇸 gusano plano
🇹🇷 düz solucan
🇰🇷 평편한 벌레
🇸🇦 دودة مسطحة
🇨🇿 ploštěnci
🇸🇰 ploché červy
🇨🇳 扁形虫
🇸🇮 ploski črvi
🇮🇸 flötusormur
🇰🇿 жазық құрт
🇬🇪 ბრტყელი черви
🇦🇿 düz qurd
🇲🇽 gusano plano
Etymology
The term 'flatworm' originated from the combination of 'flat', describing the organism's body shape, and 'worm', a term commonly used for elongated invertebrates. The word 'flat' comes from the Old English 'flaett', meaning level or flat. 'Worm' has Germanic roots, originating from the Proto-Germanic word 'wermaz', which refers to serpentine or elongated creatures. Flatworms include some of the simplest and most primitive organisms, with a history that dates back to more than 600 million years, playing an essential role in the evolution of more complex life forms. Their evolutionary significance is underscored by their presence in various ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary biology.