Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

The Difference Between Flatworms and Roundworms

The Difference Between Flatworms and Roundworms thumbnail
Flatworm

Animals called worms are not necessarily closely related, because the term "worm" refers to a type of adaptive body form that occurs in several different groups. Flatworms (phylum Platyhelminthes) and roundworms (phylum Nematoda) are both called worms, but there are many differences between these two types of organisms.

  1. Shape

    • A flatworm has a thin, dorsoventrally flattened body. Roundworms are more cylindrical in shape and tapered to a fine point at one end.

    Body Surface

    • Roundworms have a rigid outer covering called a cuticle that they must repeatedly shed as they grow. Flatworms do not have a cuticle and often have cilia on the surface of their bodies.

    Body Cavity

    • Flatworms are acoelomate, which means they do not have a body cavity. Roundworms are psuedocoelomate, which means they have a body cavity between their mesoderm and endoderm layers.

    Digestive system

    • The flatworm has a gastrovascular cavity, with only a single opening that functions as both mouth and anus. The roundworm has a complete digestive tract, with two separate openings for the mouth and anus.

    Locomotion

    • Roundworms have longitudinal muscles (oriented lengthwise down the worm) that they contract to bend their bodies in a thrashing motion. The gliding locomotion of a flatworm is powered by many tiny cilia on the outer surface of its body.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bart Everson

Comments

You May Also Like

  • Differences Between Flatworms & Roundworms

    While both flatworms and roundworms are soft-skinned invertebrates, their biology differs greatly enough to put them into to distinct categories. Flatworms belong...

  • Differences Between Segmented Worms & Roundworms

    Differences Between Segmented Worms & Roundworms. Roundworms are typically parasitic worms that are often found inside the intestines of living hosts. Segmented...

  • Differences Between Tapeworms & Roundworms

    Tapeworms and roundworms are often mistaken for each other or confused as being the same species. However, there are several differences between...

  • Earthworms Vs. Roundworms

    Earthworms and roundworms are often mistaken for each other. While they may look similar to the eye, an individual would have to...

  • Difference Between Nematodes & Trematodes

    Both nematodes and trematodes are parasitic worms that prey upon various plant and animal hosts. Nematodes, also known as round worms, can...

  • Types of Roundworms

    A roundworm infection is a worm infestation found in the intestines, causing symptoms that lead to medical issues if not treated promptly....

  • Nematodes & Segmented Worms

    Comments. You May Also Like. Differences Between Segmented Worms & Roundworms. Differences Between Segmented Worms & Roundworms. Roundworms are typically parasitic worms...

  • Types of Roundworms & Flatworms

    For such small creatures, flatworms and roundworms can cause a great deal of damage to the human body. Roundworms are most often...

  • Difference Between a Worm and a Trojan

    Worms and Trojans are two kinds of malicious software, or "malware," that get into your computer without your knowledge or consent, usually...

  • Cell Structure of the Flatworm

    Flatworms are members of the invertebrate phylum Platyhelminthes and, true to their name, they are dorsoventrally flattened. There are 25,000 known species...

  • Difference Between Tapeworm & Ringworm

    Tapeworm and ringworm are similar in that they are parasitic agents that cause infection in humans and domestic animals. However, they do...

  • Types of Flat Cat Worms

    Types of Flat Cat Worms. Cats, like most other animals, are susceptible to parasitic infection. There are several types of parasites that...

  • Types of Flatworms

    As their name suggests, flatworms are a member of the worm species, are flat and have no skeleton. Very simple creatures, they...

  • How to Make a Model of the Digestive System for Kids

    Biology is an important and fascinating science for kids to learn. For example, learning about the human body and how it works...

  • Parasitic Worms in Steamer Clams

    Roundworms may infect raw steamer clams. Soft-shell calms, or "steamers," are a commercially important shellfish on both coasts of the United States.

  • How Do Flatworms Help Humans?

    Flatworms can be very harmful towards humans, but they can also be used to benefit humans by controlling invasive snails. Discover how...

  • What Is Asexual?

    Asexuality, in the biological sense, involves reproduction by a reproductive process but does not involve the joining of sex cells. Individuals who...

  • Names of Roundworms

    Names of Roundworms. Many species of roundworms, or nematodes, are parasitic, meaning they live on or inside other species and cause harm...

  • What Are Five Different Types of Flatworms?

    The majority of flatworms are microscopic invertebrates that rely on animals for food. They are typically associated with stomach illnesses and are...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured