Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Spilopsyllus cuniculi (rabbit flea) and its host, the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)?

Accepted Answer

The flea's reproduction is triggered by hormones from the female rabbit, especially during late pregnancy.

Question 2

According to the specificity hypothesis, what is the expected relationship between the degree of parasitism and host specificity?

Accepted Answer

Greater parasitism leads to narrower host specificity.

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates co-speciation between a parasite and its host?

Accepted Answer

A parasite speciates at the same time as its host, resulting in matching phylogenetic trees.

Question 4

Referencing the phylogenetic trees of pocket gophers and their lice, what does a mismatch between host and parasite trees most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Episodes of host switching interspersed with co-speciation.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of parasite groups that are candidates for strong co-speciation patterns?

Accepted Answer

Permanent parasites with poor dispersal capabilities and direct life cycles.

Question 6

The life cycle of Enterobius (pinworm) involves which of the following steps?

Accepted Answer

Eggs are laid on perianal folds, ingested by the host, and larvae hatch in the small intestine.

Question 7

Which equation best represents the expected number of parasite species ($$P) $$given the number of host species ($$H) $$and the rate of host switching ($$S$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$P = H$$ when co-speciation is perfect and $$P \u003e H$$ when host switching or parasite duplication occurs.

Question 8

Which of the following is a plausible outcome when a parasite infects a 'wrong' host (mistake)?

Accepted Answer

The majority of mistakes result in parasite death, but sometimes the host dies or neither reproduces.

Question 9

Which real-world example demonstrates host switching in micro-predators?

Accepted Answer

Ticks like Ornithodoros turicata feeding on multiple species in gopher tortoise burrows.

Question 10

What is the main difference between co-speciation and parasite duplication?

Accepted Answer

Parasite duplication is when multiple closely related parasites exist on the same host species, while co-speciation is when parasite speciation matches host speciation.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of host switching in parasitoids, as observed in experimental studies?

Accepted Answer

Reduced reproduction for a few generations, then recovery in the new host but lower survival in the original host.

Question 12

Which tapeworm species is associated with zoonotic disease in humans, involving cyst formation in intermediate hosts such as sheep, pigs, and cattle?

Accepted Answer

Echinococcus granulosus

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the evolutionary history of Tetrabothriidea tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

They are ecological relicts, originally infecting marine archosaurs and later switching to seabirds, whales, and seals.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible mechanism for host shift leading to speciation?

Accepted Answer

Host shift can initiate speciation, especially when populations become allopatric or sympatric.

Question 15

Which fungal families are associated with the eastern and western populations of Corallorhiza wisteriana?

Accepted Answer

Eastern: Russulaceae; Western: Thelephoraceae

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can cause divergence from co-speciation patterns in parasite-host evolution?

Accepted Answer

Perfect matching of host and parasite speciation events

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the Enterobius life cycle is correct?

Accepted Answer

The infectious form is the egg containing larva, which is ingested by the host.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the concept of host specificity in parasites?

Accepted Answer

Host specificity can range from broad (multiple species in a genus) to narrow (one-to-one species relationship), and may even target populations within species.

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of human-caused host switching in parasites?

Accepted Answer

It is common and easier to study compared to natural cases.

parasite lec 9

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