Dendrocoela

/ˌdɛndroʊˈsiːlə/ noun

Definition

A genus of flatworms, also known as dendrocoels, that have a branched digestive system resembling tree roots.

Etymology

From Greek dendro- (tree) + koila (cavity or hollow). The genus name describes the characteristic tree-shaped branching of their internal digestive cavity, which distributes nutrients throughout their body.

Kelly Says

These tiny flatworms are masters of minimalist design—instead of having a separate digestive system that needs to be distributed through their body, they evolved one big branching cavity that looks like a tree's root system, efficiently delivering nutrients everywhere at once!

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