STUDY OF MUSEUM SPECIMEN OF PLANARIA AND FASCIOLA HEPATICA (PLATYHELMINTHES) WITH COMMENT AND DIAGRAM 

Codynn
2 Min Read

Comment of Planaria

Distribution:

planaria is found in India, Myanmar, UK, USA and U.S.S.R.

Habit and Habitat:

Planaria (Dugesia is a Freshwater triclads. It is found in the Freshwater streams, springs, ponds and lakes under the stones throughout the temperature zone.

General characters:

1)  Body of Planaria or Dugesia is elongated, bilaterally symmetrical and dorsoventrally flattened.

2) They are 2-15 mm in length and brown to black in color.

3) Head is triangular with conspicuous auricles and two eyes.

4) Digestive system consists of the mouth, proboscis, pharynx and a branched intestine.

5) Reproduction is sexual, asexual and by regeneration.

6) Pharynx plicate directed backwards.

7) General pore is situated a little posterior to the mouth.

Economic Importance:

They were reported as being capable of eradicating the entire earthworm population on farms.

Diagram of Planaria

Planaria

Comment of Fasciola hepatica

Distribution:

Fasciola hepatica is cosmopolitan in distribution through sheep raising areas. In the USA and India it is endemic.

Habit and Habitat:

Fasciola hepatica is found as an endoparasite in the bile ducts of the liver of sheep.

General characters:

1) Fasciola hepatica is commonly known as liver Fluke.

2) Body is leaf-like, dorso-ventrally Flattened measures 25-30mm in length and 4-5m in breath.

3) Mouth is situated at the anterior end and its surrounded by the oral sucker. .

4)  Excretory pore lies at the extreme posterior end of the body.

5)  Life cycle is complicated and includes an intermediate host, lymnaea, a mollusc.

6)  Liver-Fluke causes a disease known as liver rot.

7)  Hermaphroditic. Male system consists of testes, vasa deferentia,seminal vesicle,  ejaculatory duct and penis, while Female system comprises ovary, uterus and vitelline glands.

Economic Importances:

Fasciola Hepatica causes liver rot in sheep.

Diagram of Fasciola hepatica

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