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Question #46493
The Question
The digenetic life cycle of Plasmodium represents a highly specialized evolutionary adaptation involving complex host-switching between humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes. Which of the following statements regarding this evolutionary strategy is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The parasite exhibits stage-specific gene expression, allowing it to evade the human immune system and adapt to the distinct physiological environments of both hosts.
- B.
The evolutionary success of the parasite relies on homologous organ ancestry, utilizing structurally identical host receptors for invasion in both human hepatocytes and mosquito salivary glands.
- C.
The requirement of the mosquito gut for sexual reproduction is an evolutionary dependency driven by specific triggers like lower temperature and altered pH that induce gametogenesis.
- D.
The synchronous rupture of RBCs and release of hemozoin is an adaptive strategy that periodically overwhelms host defenses while producing the characteristic malarial paroxysms.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Plasmodium|Adaptive Radiation Logic|Evolutionary Chronology
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse the concept of 'adaptation to multiple hosts' with 'homology'.
A common misconception is assuming that because the parasite successfully invades both hosts, it exploits a conserved (homologous) biological pathway.
The reality is that Plasmodium exhibits extreme phenotypic plasticity, utilizing entirely different molecular 'keys' for different host 'locks', defying standard homologous ancestry logic.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Life Cycle of Plasmodium |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |