10 Animals That Can Clone Themselves Naturally

5. The Planarian Flatworm: Regeneration on Display

Planarian flatworms are celebrated for their extraordinary regenerative capabilities, rivaling those of the hydra. These simple worms can regenerate an entire organism from a small fragment, thanks to a high concentration of pluripotent stem cells known as neoblasts. This ability extends to asexual reproduction, where planarians can split into two or more parts, each regenerating into a complete worm. The study of planarians has provided valuable insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying regeneration. Understanding how these organisms control cell proliferation and differentiation could have profound implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.