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Name a plant or animal parasite, belonging to the Phylum Nematoda, and describe its life-cycle. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (e) - 2006
Question (e)
Name a plant or animal parasite, belonging to the Phylum Nematoda, and describe its life-cycle.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name a plant or animal parasite, belonging to the Phylum Nematoda, and describe its life-cycle. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (e) - 2006
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Life cycle
Answer
The life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides consists of several key stages:
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Eggs Laid in Host: The adult female roundworms reside in the intestines of the host (usually humans) and lay a large number of eggs (up to 200,000 daily), which are excreted in the feces.
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Development in Soil: The eggs require a suitable environment to hatch, and they develop in the soil for several weeks before they become infective larvae.
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Entry into Host: Humans become infected when they ingest these infective eggs, often through contaminated food or water.
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Larval Stage: Once inside the host, the larvae hatch in the intestines and penetrate the intestinal wall, entering the bloodstream. They then travel to the lungs, mature, and eventually migrate up the trachea to be swallowed again.
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Maturation in Intestines: After being swallowed, the larvae return to the intestines, where they mature into adult worms over a period of two to three months.
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Effect on Host: The presence of adult roundworms can cause various health issues in the host, including malnutrition, intestinal blockage, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.