Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of parasitoid wasps in the biocontrol of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the United States?

Accepted Answer

They lay eggs inside EAB larvae, and their offspring consume the host from within, reducing EAB populations.

Question 2

The 'dilution effect' in ecology refers to which of the following relationships?

Accepted Answer

Higher biodiversity leads to lower rates of infection by parasites.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the relationship between host survival ($$S$$), cost of protection ($$C$$), and benefit to the protective parasite ($$B) as $$described by Ashby & King (2017)?

Accepted Answer

$$S = B - C$$

Question 4

Which medical practice involving parasites is still used today to treat venous congestion?

Accepted Answer

Leeches

Question 5

According to the Hygiene Hypothesis, what is the primary consequence of reduced exposure to parasites and microbes during early childhood?

Accepted Answer

Suppressed development of immune tolerance, leading to higher rates of allergies and autoimmune diseases

Question 6

Which of the following is a real-world example of parasites providing ecosystem services?

Accepted Answer

Gordian worms causing crickets to enter water, making them available as food for fish

Question 7

Which of the following statements about helminth therapy is supported by clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

Helminth therapy shows generally positive efficacy and mild gastrointestinal side effects.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why monocultures are more susceptible to pest outbreaks?

Accepted Answer

Monocultures lack natural predators and parasites, allowing pests to proliferate.

Question 9

Which of the following is a plausible negative effect of worm infection mentioned in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Worm infection lessens response to vaccines.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the 'Old Friends' hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The human immune system evolved to tolerate chronic infections from microbes and helminth parasites, whose removal leads to immunological hyperactivity.

Question 11

Which of the following is a mechanism by which helminth excretory/secretory (ES) molecules influence the immune system?

Accepted Answer

ES molecules activate regulatory components of the immune system, suppressing inflammatory responses.

Question 12

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between biodiversity ($$B) $$and infection rate ($$I) $$according to the dilution effect?

Accepted Answer

$$I = \frac{1}{B}$$

Question 13

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'host protection' by one parasite against another?

Accepted Answer

Parasite species 1 infects a host and reduces susceptibility to parasite species 2.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world application of parasites in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Using nematode presence in a chameleon to determine if it was poached or captive-bred.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the relationship between whipworm prevalence and multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence is supported by the provided graph?

Accepted Answer

Higher whipworm prevalence is associated with lower MS incidence.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a condition linked to the loss of 'Old Friends' according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Increased resistance to infectious diseases

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the USDA stopped regulating the movement of ash wood in 2021?

Accepted Answer

Biocontrol methods using parasitoid wasps became the primary focus for managing EAB.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason why urbanization leads to a decline in soil-transmitted helminths, as observed in Amazonian Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Urban environments have more processed foods and less exposure to contaminated soil.

Question 19

Which of the following is a recommended approach based on the Hygiene and Old Friends hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

Maintain hygiene to reduce infectious diseases, but consider relaxing extremes to support immune tolerance.

parasite lec 16

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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