Consider the following statements : I. Tapeworm is a hermaphrodite. II. Round-worm has separate sexes. III. Filaria is caused by a nematode. IV. Guinea-worm is an annelid. Which of these are correct ?

Statements I, II and III are correct while IV is false. Tapeworms (cestodes) are elongated, segmented flatworms and adult tapeworms are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs [1]. Roundworms (nematodes) are generally dioecious with separate male and female individuals, so “round-worm has separate sexes” is true [1]. Filarial infections (e.g., Wuchereria, Brugia) are caused by parasitic nematodes, so statement III is correct [2]. Guinea-worm (Dracunculus medinensis) is likewise a parasitic nematode, not an annelid, so statement IV is incorrect [3]. Therefore the correct combination is I, II and III (option 2).

Sources

1. [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8282/
2. [2] https://uou.ac.in/sites/default/files/slm/BSCZO-104.pdf
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/dracunculus-medinensis