Question

List out the parasitic adaptations in the leech.

Answer 1

1. The suckers are the primary organ of the bloodsucking.
2. The blood is sucked by the muscular pharynx.
3. Leeches attach themselves to the body of the host by Anterior and Posterior ends of the body.
4. The three jaws inside the mouth, cause a painless triradiate or Y-shaped incision in the skin of the host.
5. A protein called hirudin is produced in the salivary gland of leech to prevent blood coagulation. Thus, a continuous supply of blood is maintained.
6. Parapodia and setae are completely absent.
7. Leeches also inject anesthetic substances that prevent the host from feeling their bite.
8. In the crop, blood is stored which gives nourishment to the leech for several months. Due to this reason, there is no elaborate secretion of the digestive juices and enzymes.