What is a "flatworm"?

A flatworm is a simple invertebrate belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes. It is characterized by its flat, elongated body shape and lacks a specialized respiratory or circulatory system. Flatworms can be found in both freshwater and marine environments, as well as in moist terrestrial habitats. They display remarkable regenerative abilities, with some species capable of regrowing entire organisms from fragments. Flatworms exhibit a range of feeding strategies, including predation, scavenging, and parasitism. While some flatworms are free-living and play important roles in aquatic ecosystems, others can be parasitic and cause diseases in humans and animals. Despite their simplicity, flatworms display a remarkable diversity in form and behavior, making them an intriguing group of organisms to study.