NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What are some of the special adaptations parasites have evolved according to their lifestyles?
Options
- AIncreased size and enhanced sense organs
- BLoss of unnecessary sense organs and high reproductive capacity
- CDevelopment of complex digestive systems
- DEnhanced mobility and advanced sensory systems
Correct answer
B. Loss of unnecessary sense organs and high reproductive capacity
Step-by-step solution
Many parasites have evolved to be host-specific (they can parasitise only a single species of host) in such a way that both host and the parasite tend to co-evolve; that is, if the host evolves special mechanisms for rejecting or resisting the parasite, the parasite has to evolve mechanisms to counteract and neutralize them, in order to be successful with the same host species. In accordance with their lifestyles, parasites evolved special adaptations such as the loss of unnecessary sense organs, presence of adhesi