This mode of reproduction is characterized by high offspring output, which, in the case of the parasitic tapeworms, is of great significance.
In reality, the two processes are simultaneous, with segmentation to release new ephyras occurring at the upper end while neck formation spreads further down the body.
Strobilation is successfully induced in laboratory conditions by intensive feeding and temperature lowering, and also by the effect of artificial compounds.
In cestodes, the whole body except for the head and the neck undergoes strobilation continuously, reflecting the important role reproduction plays in the parasitic mode of life.
The strobilating section is called strobila, or scolex, and each of its segments is a proglottid.