Planarian Research Paper

Planarians

A planarian is a small free-living flatworm. These flat worms are usually found under rocks in fresh water. They are part of the phylum Platyhelminthes and in the class Turbellaria. Planarians are usually zoophagous, they feed on small living invertebrates and decaying organisms found in their community. Some planarians could eat segmented worms, leeches, snails, and other small herbivores. Planarians may also be organisms that gain their food energy with the help of decomposing fungi and bacteria. A major source of energy for the planarian's food chain is the leaves of the local riparian trees. These leaves are partially decomposed by bacteria and fungi. The planarian eats by using its long, highly muscular pharynx. The