Giant hammerhead flatworms are invading France

The video discusses species of flatworms with shovel-like heads native to Asia, which can grow up to a meter long and reproduce asexually. Citizen sightings have reported at least three hammerhead species in metropolitan France since 1999, with others in overseas territories. These invasive species feed on earthworms, secreting tetrodotoxin to immobilize their prey. This poses a threat to biodiversity as earthworms are crucial for soil aeration and fertility, potentially affecting the ecosystem drastically.

What is a notable physical feature of the flatworms discussed?

• They have wings.

• They have shovel-like heads.

• They have fins.

• They have scales.

Where are the hammerhead flatworm species originally from?

• South America

• Asia

• Africa

• Europe

When were hammerhead flatworms first reported in metropolitan France?

• 1989

• 1999

• 2009

• 2019

What do the invasive flatworm species primarily feed on?

• Leaves

• Insects

• Earthworms

• Fruits

What toxin do flatworms use to paralyze their prey?

• Arsenic

• Cyanide

• Tetrodotoxin

• Strychnine