Enthelmintha is a taxonomic group of invertebrates that are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body shape and their ability to parasitize other animals as endoparasites. This taxonomic group includes various species of parasitic worms such as roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (trematodes and cestodes). Enthelmintha is considered a phylum within the larger animal kingdom.
Members of the Enthelmintha phylum have complex life cycles that often involve multiple hosts. They typically have specialized adaptations to inhabit and exploit their host organisms, often causing detrimental effects on the health and well-being of the host.
Roundworms, or nematodes, are unsegmented worms with a round cross-section. They can be found in a wide range of environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine habitats. Many nematodes are free-living, but some are parasitic, infecting animals including humans.
Flatworms, which include trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms), have a flattened body shape. Trematodes are often found in various aquatic environments, infecting a wide range of hosts including fish, snails, and mammals. Cestodes are typically found within the digestive tracts of vertebrates, including humans, and are characterized by their segmented bodies.
In summary, Enthelmintha is a diverse group of parasitic worms that exhibit complex life cycles and can cause significant harm to their host organisms. They encompass various species such as roundworms, trematodes, and cestodes, and are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body shape.
