What are the repeating units seen in a tapeworm called, and how do they fundamentally differ from annelid segments?
Answer
Proglottids, which are reproductive structures, not true segmental units
While tapeworms may display numerous repeating structures along their length, these are not true body segments akin to those found in annelids. These repeating units are specifically termed proglottids. The crucial distinction is functional and developmental: true segments in annelids represent repeated sections of the fundamental body plan, offering flexibility and specialized capabilities. In contrast, tapeworm proglottids are essentially units specialized for reproduction; they develop sequentially and contain reproductive organs, serving a different biological purpose than the true, repeated segmental units of an earthworm.
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