The main difference between male and female Ascaris is that the posterior end of the male Ascaris contains a straight blunt tail, whereas the posterior end of the female Ascaris is slightly coiled or appears hooked.
Male and female Ascaris are the two genders of Ascaris. Ascaris is a parasite that lives in the intestine.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Ascaris
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Male Ascaris
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. What is Female Ascaris
– Definition, Facts, Features
4. Similarities Between Male and Female Ascaris
– Outline of Common Features
5. Difference Between Male and Female Ascaris
– Comparison of Key Differences
6. FAQ: Male and Female Ascaris
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Female Ascaris, Male Ascaris
What is Ascaris
Ascaris is a genus of parasitic roundworms that belongs to the phylum Nematoda. This genus is known generally as intestinal roundworms as it lives in the intestines of vertebrates. Also, it is fusiform, pointed at both ends. Furthermore, the body of the Ascaris is long and cylindrical. The epidermis, cuticle, and musculature occur in the body wall. Additionally, a pseudocoelom occurs in Ascaris.
Besides, Ascaris has a lower body organization with bilateral symmetry. Also, it has a complete digestive system. However, it does not have a respiratory system. Their respiration occurs through the skin.
The most common human parasite within this genus is Ascaris lumbricoides. It causes a disease called ascariasis. Ascaris deposit its eggs in soil and feces. The consumption of these eggs causes the disease. Moreover, Ascaris is a good example of worms with clearly visible sexual dimorphism.
What is Male Ascaris
The male Ascaris is one of the two genders of Ascaris. The size of the body of the male Ascaris is short. The length of the male Ascaris is 15-30 cm. Also, the body of the male Ascaris is slenderer than the female.
Figure 1: Ascaris Life Cycle
What is Female Ascaris
The female Ascaris is one of the two genders of Ascaris. The key feature of the female Ascaris is the size of the body. It is large. The length of the female Ascaris is 20-35 cm. Another key feature of the female Ascaris is the posterior end, which is the straight, blunt tail.
Figure 2: Female Ascaris
Similarities Between Male and Female Ascaris
- Male and female Ascaris are two genders of Ascaris.
- They live in the intestine as a parasite.
- Ascariasis is the disease caused by Ascaris.
Difference Between Male and Female Ascaris
Definition
Male Ascaris and female Ascaris refer to the two genders of Ascaris.
Length
Male Ascaris is much shorter, while female Ascaris is much longer.
Posterior End
The posterior end of the male Ascaris contains a straight blunt tail, while the posterior end of the female Ascaris is slightly coiled or appears hooked.
Cloaca or Penial Setae
Cloaca or penial setae is present in male Ascaris while cloaca or penial setae is absent in female Ascaris.
Reproductive Opening
Male Ascaris does not have a reproductive opening, while female Ascaris has a reproductive opening.
FAQ: Male and Female Ascaris
How can you identify the male and female Ascaris with reason?
Ascaris is a small roundworm that shows sexual dimorphism. Also, it can be unisexual. The length of the male worm is 12-23 cm, while the width of the female worm is 3-4 mm. The posterior end of the male worm is curved ventrally in the form of a hook. Also, a conical tip occurs at the end. In comparison, the female worm is stouter and longer than the male worm. The length of the male worm is 25-49 cm, while the width of the female worm is 5 mm.
What are the two differences between the two sexes of Ascaris?
The length of the female worm of Ascaris is 20-35 cm, while the length of the male worm is 15-30 cm. Also, female worms are longer and thicker, with a diameter of 4-5 mm, while the diameters of the male worms are 2-4 mm in diameter.
What is the male Ascaris?
The male Ascaris is one of the two genders of Ascaris. Male Ascaris is shorter in length. The posterior end of the male Ascaris contains a straight, blunt tail. Also, cloaca or penial setae is present. However, it does not contain a reproductive opening.
Conclusion
In brief, male and female Ascaris are parasites in the intestine. The male Ascaris is shorter and contains a straight blunt tail. Also, it contains a cloaca or penial setae. However, it does not contain a reproductive opening. In comparison, female Ascaris is larger and contains a slightly coiled or hooked posterior end. A penial setae is absent in female Ascaris. In addition, female Ascaris has a reproductive opening. Therefore, the main difference between male and female Ascaris is their body size.
References:
- (2022b, June 8). Ascaris (male and female) – diagram. BYJUS.
Image Courtesy:
- “Raspberry vein chlorosis virus NT5 (2)” By Jerzy Opioła – Own Work (CC-BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “K-deficient maize on Cedara 4 2003-01-13” By Alandmanson – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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