Question

Read the statements given below regarding the parasites.

i. The life cycles of endoparasites are more complex due to their extreme specialization.

ii. Morphological and anatomical features in endoparasites are simplified while emphasising their reproductive potential.

iii. Liver fluke and Plasmodium are some common examples of ectoparasites.

iv. Many marine fishes are infested with ectoparasitic copepods.

How many statements are incorrect about the parasites?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1

Parasitism is a type of population interaction between two living species in which one organism is benefited at the expense of the other (+/- interaction). The organism that is benefitted is called the parasite, while the one that is harmed is called the host.

Based on whether they live inside the body of the host or on the external surface, parasites are of two types.

• Ectoparasites: They live on the external surface of the host. Some of them are:
  • lice on humans
  • ticks on dogs
  • copepods are crustaceans that are ectoparasitic on marine fishes
• Endoparasites: They live inside the body of the host at various sites.
  • E.g., Liver fluke and Plasmodium. Liver fluke (Fasciola) lives inside the liver of the host and Plasmodium infects the hepatocytes and RBC s of humans.

Hence, statement (iii) is incorrect.

The life cycles of endoparasites are more complex compared to that of ectoparasites because of their extreme specialisation.

Most endoparasites complete their life cycle in one or two intermediate hosts or vectors to facilitate parasitisation of their primary host.

In order to ensure the continuity of species, the parasites have high reproductive capacity. Hence, their morphological and anatomical features are greatly simplified.

Therefore, only one statement is incorrect.