Chapter 4, Problem 7STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

Parasitism is the symbiotic relationship in which one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (host). Parasites are harmful to their host as they siphon off resources for their growth, reproduction, and survival with no benefits for the host.

Answer to Problem 7STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (B) absorbing enough nutrients to sustain the tapeworm without harming the host.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Tapeworm is an Endoparasite (live inside the host body), which grows and reproduces in the host body. The host must remain alive and healthy for the tapeworm to get an unhindered supply of nutrients, and so it is beneficial for the tapeworm to absorb enough nutrients for their survival without harming the host.

Explanation for incorrect answer :

Option (A) For long term survival of a tapeworm, the death of the host is not beneficial. As the host dies from a disease caused by a tapeworm, the supply of nutrients from the host body will stop and, eventually, a tapeworm will also die.

Option (C) Antitapeworm drugs kill the tapeworm.

Option (D) Weakening of the host by tapeworm is also not beneficial because in this case, a tapeworm will not be able to get sufficient benefits from the host body.