Describe, with the aid of a labelled diagram, the life cycle of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2014

These eggs are expelled from the host through feces into the environment, where they are crucial for the continuation of the cycle.

Under suitable conditions, such as being in water, the eggs hatch to release larvae called miracidia, which are free-swimming.

These miracidia seek out and penetrate a suitable freshwater snail, initiating a new phase of development within the snail.

Inside the snail, the miracidia transform into sporocysts, where they undergo asexual reproduction to produce rediae.

The rediae then produce cercariae, which are released from the snail, typically after a period of about 24 hours.

The cercariae exit the snail and swim to the grass or aquatic plants, where they encyst into metacercariae.

Finally, when the primary host grazes on contaminated grass, the metacercariae enter the host's digestive system, completing the cycle.