The topic turbellarian is discussed in the following articles:

characteristics and taxonomy

  • TITLE: flatworm (invertebrate)
    The phylum consists of four classes: Trematoda (flukes), Cestoda (tapeworms), Turbellaria (planarians), and Monogenea. It should be noted that some authorities consider Monogenea, which contains the order Aspidogastrea, to be a subclass within the class Trematoda. Members of all classes except Turbellaria are parasitic during all or part of the life cycle. Most turbellarians are exclusively...
  • TITLE: flatworm (invertebrate)
    SECTION: Annotated classification
    ...nerve cords with transverse connectives; body structure triploblastic (i.e., 3 embryonic layers); reproductive system hermaphroditic and complex.
    Class Turbellaria
    Epidermis usually ciliated at least in part, provided with rhabdoids (minute rodlike structures); body unsegmented; gut present except in order Acoela; life cycle...

protection of eggs

  • TITLE: animal reproductive system
    SECTION: Provisions for the developing embryo
    ...is especially true of freshwater and terrestrial forms. Sponges and freshwater coelenterates, exposed to seasonal drying out, provide a tough covering for the eggs that prevents water loss. Many turbellarians envelop the eggs with a capsule and attach it to a hard surface, where it remains until the young emerge. Other turbellarians retain encapsulated eggs in the body until development is...