Campbell Biology
Campbell Biology
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780135188743
Author: Urry
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 33.3, Problem 1CC
Summary Introduction

To describe: How tapeworms are able to survive without a mouth, a coelom, a digestive system, or an excretory system.

Concept introduction: Tapeworm belongs to a phylum called Platyhelminthes. The organisms that belong to phylum Platyhelminthes are found in diverse habitats such as marine, freshwater and others. They can be free living or parasitic. Tapeworm is a parasitic platyhelminth.

The body of Platyhelminthes is usually dorso-ventrally flattened. Hence, they are called as flatworms. The flat body shape increases the surface area of the body. The increased surface area places all the cells of the body in close proximity to the water. This permits the gaseous exchange and excretion to take place by diffusion.

Tapeworm is a parasite of vertebrates that live in its intestine. Its body is made up of a number of segments. The anterior segment possesses sucker and hooks. The hooks and sucker help in attachment to host.

The tapeworms also possess a number of repeated structures or segments called proglottids. These segments bear reproductive organs. The tapeworms are hermaphrodite but can reproduce by cross fertilization also.

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