Question

Explain parasitic adaptations.

Hint:

Remember: Hooks, suckers, high fecundity, and resistant cysts are common parasitic adaptations.

Answer 1

Step 1: General idea.
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host and derive nutrition at the host’s expense. To survive, they evolve specific adaptations.
Step 2: Morphological adaptations.
1. Loss of unnecessary organs (e.g., digestive system in tapeworm).
2. Presence of adhesive structures such as hooks and suckers.
3. Thick resistant cuticle to resist host enzymes.
Step 3: Physiological adaptations.
1. Secretion of anti-enzymes to neutralize host digestive juices.
2. Anaerobic respiration in intestinal parasites.
Step 4: Reproductive adaptations.
1. High reproductive capacity (e.g., tapeworm produces thousands of eggs).
2. Complex life cycles involving multiple hosts to ensure survival.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Parasites exhibit structural, physiological, and reproductive adaptations for survival inside host organisms.