Question

What is true about Taenia saginatal

• A. life history has pig as intermediate host
• B. there are two large suckers on scolex
• C. rostellar hooks are absent
• D. rostellum has double circle of hooks.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To solve the given question, we need to evaluate the options provided concerning the characteristics of Taenia saginata, commonly known as the beef tapeworm.

Let's evaluate each option:

1. Life history has pig as intermediate host: This statement is incorrect for Taenia saginata. The intermediate host for Taenia saginata is typically cattle (cows), not pigs. The related species, Taenia solium, uses pigs as its intermediate host.
2. There are two large suckers on scolex: While Taenia saginata has suckers on its scolex, it actually possesses four large suckers, not two. This characteristic does not uniquely identify it, as other tapeworms may also have suckers.
3. Rostellar hooks are absent: This statement is correct. Taenia saginata is known for having a scolex that lacks rostellar hooks, which differentiates it from Taenia solium, which does have these hooks.
4. Rostellum has double circle of hooks: This statement is incorrect for Taenia saginata. Rostellum with hooks is a characteristic of Taenia solium, not Taenia saginata, which lacks hooks entirely.

Conclusion: The correct answer is that Taenia saginata has no rostellar hooks. This differentiates it from other similar species like Taenia solium.