Question

What are the parasitic adaptations of leech?

Answer 1

The parasites are the organisms which live on or inside the other organisms (host and obtain the nutrition required for their growth and development from the host. This symbiotic relation causes harm to the host. For example- head lice, leech, gut microorganisms etc.

Complete answer:
Leeches are soft annelids which have segmented bodies which move by contraction and elongation. They feed on the blood of almost all the animals. They like the blood of animals including humans until they are full. They bite through the skin and such the blood of the vertebrates. They need blood to grow and reproduce.

We all know that the leech is adapted to the parasitic mode of nutrition. Let us discuss the adaptations of leech for parasitic mode of life.
- There are two suckers called the anterior and the posterior which enables it to attach to the host.
- The chemoreceptors present in its head helps it to sense various chemicals present in the surrounding.
- The nerve cells present in the epidermis helps to detect the movement of water and host.
- There are three jaws which penetrate inside the skin of the host causing a Y shaped wound.
- Hirudin an anti-coagulant factor is secreted by the salivary gland which helps in continuous supply of blood.

Note: Mutualism is another kind of symbiotic relationship in which two organisms live together and share its food and shelter. Unlike parasitism, in mutualism both the species living together are benefitted. For example- lichens.