Question

parasitism
it’s not the most glamorous type of symbiotic relationship.
let’s explore the last symbiotic relationship: parasitism. although it may seem very different from relationships you’ve observed before, it highlights yet another strong interaction between two organisms.
tapeworms are a good example of a parasite. tapeworms lodge themselves into the digestive systems of their hosts (such as humans or pigs). they feed off the host’s nutrients and can cause weakness, organ damage, and, in some cases, death.
based on the evidence you gathered, how can you classify the effect that this relationship has on both organisms?
tapeworm
dropdown
humans
dropdown with options: beneficial, not affected, harmed

Explanation:

For the tapeworm - human parasitism relationship:

• Tapeworm: In parasitism, the parasite (tapeworm) benefits by obtaining nutrients from the host (human). So the effect on tapeworm is "Benefits".
• Human: The host (human) is harmed as the tapeworm feeds off its nutrients, causing weakness, organ damage, and potentially death. So the effect on human is "Harmed".

Answer:

• Tapeworm: Benefits
• Humans: Harmed