"Traditionally, scientists believed that about 10,000 years ago—coincidental with the domestication of intermediate hosts such as cattle, swine, and companion carnivores like dogs—three species of taeniid tapeworms became associated with humans," Hoberg says.
How did tape worms evolve?
Taenia saginata emerged when wild cattle Bos primigenius evolved and when zebu Bos indicus and taurine Bos taurus ancestors separated. Humans through migrations and later with the development of farming and animal husbandry may have had a significant impact on the spread and diversification of tapeworms.
When was tapeworm first discovered?
DATEDISCOVERY5000-1500 BCTapeworms were mentioned in Indian Ayurveda and described in ancient Egyptian papyri (Ebers Papyrus).500-200 BCTheophrastus coined the term taenia; Aristotle recognized swine cysticercosis.AD 20-200Roman physicians recognized tapeworms ( Lumbricus latus).
How are humans exposed to tapeworms?
Tapeworm eggs normally enter the human host from animals via food, especially raw or undercooked meat. Humans can also become infected if there is contact with animal feces or contaminated water. When an infection is passed from an animal to a human, it is called zoonosis.
How long have tapeworms been on Earth?
However, when the researchers' analysis made it clear that tapeworms have been around for a very long time, they began to suspect that they existed as early as the Cambrian-Ordovician boundary around 488 million years ago. The oldest fossils of the vertebrate host species also date from this time.
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