ParasitesStructure and environmental conditions: the tick will
ParasitesStructure and Function: Tapeworms are flat and segmented worms that consists of the head, which contains the suckers, the neck that leads to immature proglottids and finally, mature proglottids. Reproduction: tape worms can reproduce sexually and asexually; through cross-fertilisation with another tape worm or self-fertilisation. Alternatively, they can clone by breaking off proglottid segments to create another organism.
Growth and environmental conditions: The tape worm eggs are consumed by the intermediate hosts which are generally fleas, the eggs hatch inside the flea and the worm tunnels through the intestine into the body to form cysts. The animal that host the fleas will then ingest them during grooming and ultimately, ingesting the tapeworm cysts as well. The cysts are released and develop into adult tapeworms. To grow in length, the tapeworm produces new proglottid segments, making it longer.Transmission: The tape worm eggs are consumed by the intermediate hosts which are generally fleas, the eggs hatch inside the flea and the worm tunnels through the intestine into the body to form cysts. The animal that host the fleas will then ingest them during grooming and ultimately, ingesting the tapeworm cysts as well. The cysts are released and develop into adult tapeworms.
Effect on animal: eggs in faeces, vomiting, anus irritation.Structure and Function: the majority of the tick is the abdomen, which fills with blood when feeding. It is a simple being with its only other obvious features being its legs and mouth piece.Reproduction: The tick lifecycle has 4 stages starting with the egg which hatches and then develops into a larva. This then turns from a larva to a nymph to an adult. The ticks breed on an host but drop to the ground to lay eggs.Growth and environmental conditions: the tick will feed only once during each stage before dropping off to shed into the next stage of adulthood.
The whole life cycle takes around 2 years. Ticks are most likely to be found in moist areas to prevent them from drying outTransmission: Ticks will climb on to hosts when they brush past, they then bite through the skin and bury their heads into it feed. The burying makes it more difficult for it to be either removed or disturbed from feeding.
Effect on animal: itching, inflamed skin, fever, reduced appetite, pain, lethargy, depression. In extreme cases ticks can cause; tick paralysis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other serious diseases.
