Question

Write a detail note on parasitic adaptations in leech.

Answer 1

Parasitic Adaptations of Leech:
Leeches lead a parasitic mode of life by sucking the blood of vertebrates and show several important adaptations in their structure.
1. Blood is sucked by pharynx.
2. Anterior and posterior ends of the body are provided with suckers by which the animal attaches itself to the body of the host.
3. The three jaws inside the mouth, causes a painless Y-shaped wound in the skin of the host.
4. The salivary glands produce hirudin which does not allow the blood to coagulate. Thus, a continuous supply of the blood is maintained.
5. Parapodia and setae are completely absent
6. Blood is stored in the crop. It gives nourishment to the leech for several months. Due to this reason there is no elaborate secretion of the digestive juices and enzymes.