Question

Compare and contrast the life cycle of TWO of the following groups of platyhelminthes: Turbellaria (marine flatworms); Trematoda (flukes); Monogenea (mongenetic flukes); Cestoda (tapeworms). Include diagrams in your answe

Answer 1

The life cycle of Turbellaria involves sexual reproduction and hatching of eggs, while the life cycle of Trematoda is more complex and involves two different hosts. Turbellaria are free-living, while Trematoda are parasitic.

Step-by-step explanation:

Turbellaria, Trematoda, Monogenea, and Cestoda are all groups of platyhelminthes or flatworms. Here is a comparison of the life cycle of Turbellaria and Trematoda:

• Turbellaria (marine flatworms): The life cycle of turbellaria is relatively simple. Most turbellarians are free-living, meaning they do not have a specific host. They reproduce sexually and lay eggs, which develop into larval forms. These larvae then grow into adult flatworms.
• Trematoda (flukes): The life cycle of trematodes is complex and involves two different hosts. The adult trematodes live in the primary host, which is usually a vertebrate. They reproduce sexually and release eggs, which are passed out of the primary host's body. These eggs then hatch into larvae called miracidia, which infect a secondary host, typically a snail. Inside the snail, the miracidia develop into sporocysts, which produce even more larval forms. These larval forms then leave the snail and infect the primary host again, where they develop into adult trematodes.