What feature is characteristic of Diphyllobothrium latum?

Diphyllobothrium latum, commonly known as the fish tapeworm, is characterized by having double genital pores. This distinctive feature aligns with the reproductive structure of this organism, which is a member of the class Cestoda (tapeworms). The presence of both male and female reproductive organs in separate regions allows for more efficient reproduction and is a hallmark trait of this species.

In contrast, a single genital pore would typically be associated with other types of tapeworms or parasitic organisms that possess different reproductive strategies. The segmented body, while a feature of many tapeworms, is not exclusive to Diphyllobothrium latum, as it applies to numerous other cestodes as well. Regarding the life cycle, Diphyllobothrium latum has a relatively complex life cycle involving multiple hosts, which does not support the idea of it having a short life cycle. Therefore, the defining characteristic of having double genital pores is crucial for identifying and understanding the biology of Diphyllobothrium latum.