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Question #46140
The Question
Endoparasitic Platyhelminthes, such as Taenia solium, exhibit profound degenerative adaptations, including the complete loss of a digestive system, to maximize efficiency in a (+/-) biotic interaction. If a heavy tapeworm infestation rapidly depletes the concentration of pre-digested peptides and fatty acids in the host's duodenum via tegumental absorption, which of the following systemic fallouts is most likely to occur in the host's gastrointestinal endocrine feedback loop?
Options
- A.
Decreased secretion of Cholecystokinin (CCK) from the duodenal mucosa, leading to reduced gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release.
- B.
Increased release of Secretin from the duodenum to compensate for nutrient loss, directly stimulating hypersecretion of gastric acid.
- C.
Hyperactivation of Gastric Inhibitory Peptide (GIP) to slow down gastric emptying, attempting to maximize nutrient absorption by the host's microvilli.
- D.
The parasite utilizes its flame cells to secrete host-mimicking digestive secretagogues, compensating for its own lack of an alimentary canal.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Biotic_Interactions|Parasitism|Host_Physiology
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question requires synthesizing Class 11 Animal Kingdom (parasitic adaptations/loss of digestive system) with Class 11 Human Physiology (chemical triggers for gastrointestinal hormones).
The common trap is failing to link the parasite's nutrient theft directly to the host's luminal chemoreceptors.
Students often confuse the specific triggers for CCK (nutrients) versus Secretin (acidic pH), and misattribute endocrine functions to excretory structures like flame cells.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Platyhelminthes Parasitic Adaptations |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |