True or False: Some helminths can be hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female organs.

True or False: Some helminths can be hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female organs.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in cestodes
• D. Only in nematodes

Answer: (A)

Many helminths, including various species within the phyla Platyhelminthes (which includes flatworms such as trematodes and cestodes) and Nematoda (roundworms), can indeed be hermaphroditic. This means they possess both male and female reproductive organs, allowing them to reproduce without the need for a mate of the opposite sex in some cases. The ability to be hermaphroditic offers evolutionary advantages, particularly in environments where finding a mate might be challenging. For instance, many cestodes (tapeworms) are known for their hermaphroditic nature, having both testes and ovaries, enabling them to produce both eggs and sperm. Some trematodes also exhibit hermaphroditism. While not all nematodes are hermaphroditic (as many are distinctly dioecious, having separate male and female individuals), some species do show hermaphroditic traits. Therefore, the statement that some helminths can possess both male and female organs is true, making the correct response accurate.

Many helminths, including various species within the phyla Platyhelminthes (which includes flatworms such as trematodes and cestodes) and Nematoda (roundworms), can indeed be hermaphroditic. This means they possess both male and female reproductive organs, allowing them to reproduce without the need for a mate of the opposite sex in some cases.

The ability to be hermaphroditic offers evolutionary advantages, particularly in environments where finding a mate might be challenging. For instance, many cestodes (tapeworms) are known for their hermaphroditic nature, having both testes and ovaries, enabling them to produce both eggs and sperm. Some trematodes also exhibit hermaphroditism.

While not all nematodes are hermaphroditic (as many are distinctly dioecious, having separate male and female individuals), some species do show hermaphroditic traits. Therefore, the statement that some helminths can possess both male and female organs is true, making the correct response accurate.