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Biology/Tapeworms

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Expert: - 7/9/2008


Question
QUESTION: Do you know of a tapeworm species that dose not contain eggs?

ANSWER: Dear Brandy,

All species of tapeworm, when healthy and mature, contain eggs. There are no species and no individuals that do not manufacture eggs, as they are hermaphroditic.  Each individual has both male and female sex organs:  under normal circumstances, they always contain eggs.

Hope that helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you know of a tapeworm species that dose not contain eggs in its segments? im sorry that it looks like the same but i forgot the last part the frist time and did not know it thank you

Answer
Dear Brandy,

All mature tapeworms contain eggs in their mature segments.  The earliest segments do not contain eggs, but only the reproductive organs.  But as those segments mature, they, too, will become filled with eggs.

All species of tapeworms produce eggs.

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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