Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Organisms and Populations

Question:

Which of the following adaptations are commonly found in parasites?

Options:

Development of unnecessary sense organs

Loss of reproductive capacity.

Presence of adhesive organs or suckers to cling onto the host.

Increased digestive system complexity.

Correct Answer:

Presence of adhesive organs or suckers to cling onto the host.

Explanation:

In response to the host evolving special mechanisms for rejecting or resisting the parasite, the parasite needs to evolve mechanisms to counteract and neutralize these defenses in order to successfully infect and exploit the same host species. This ongoing process of adaptation and counteradaptation is a result of the co-evolutionary dynamics between the host and parasite.

Parasites have evolved special adaptations that allow them to overcome the host's defenses and successfully establish themselves within the host's body. These adaptations are specific to the parasite's lifestyle and may include various strategies. For example, parasites may exhibit the loss of unnecessary sense organs, as they rely on specific cues and sensory organs to locate and infect the host. Additionally, parasites may possess adhesive organs or suckers that allow them to cling onto the host's body or specific tissues, ensuring a secure attachment. These adaptations facilitate the parasite's ability to physically interact with the host and establish a successful infection.

Furthermore, parasites may undergo modifications in their digestive system. Some parasites may reduce or even lose their digestive system altogether since they rely on the host for obtaining nutrients.

Overall, parasites exhibit a range of special adaptations that are tailored to their specific lifestyles and enable them to effectively infect, survive within, and reproduce in their host species. These adaptations are the result of an ongoing co-evolutionary process between the host and parasite, where each species evolves in response to the selective pressures imposed by the other.