Geoplanidae

/dʒiːoʊpləˈneɪdiː/ noun

Definition

A family of large terrestrial flatworms that are predatory and found in warm climates around the world.

Etymology

Scientific Latin combining geo- (earth) + plana (wandering) + -idae (family suffix used in taxonomy). Established in the 19th century as zoologists classified land-dwelling flatworms into a distinct family.

Kelly Says

This family represents one of the oldest animal groups on Earth—flatworms have existed for over 500 million years with relatively unchanged body plans, making them living fossils that reveal how ancient life might have worked.

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