Which of the following livestock endoparasites is a hermaphrodite?
Answer Details
The livestock endoparasite that is a hermaphrodite is the tapeworm. Hermaphroditism refers to an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs. Tapeworms are a type of flatworm that live inside the intestines of animals, including livestock, where they can cause health problems.
Unlike other parasites on the list, tapeworms are hermaphrodites, which means that each individual worm has both male and female reproductive organs. This allows them to fertilize their own eggs and reproduce without needing a partner.
Tapeworms can grow quite long and consist of many segments, each of which contains reproductive organs. When mature, the segments break off and are passed out of the host's body in its feces, allowing the tapeworm to spread to other animals.
It is important for livestock owners to be aware of the potential for tapeworm infections in their animals and to take steps to prevent and treat them to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.