The beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, is called a parasitic because it
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 11
The beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, is called a parasitic because it
A. kills its host.
B. benefits at the expense of the host.
C. is transmitted via an intermediate... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, is called a parasitic because it
A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. kills its host.
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Answer
While some parasites may kill their host, this is not a defining characteristic of all parasites. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Step 2
B. benefits at the expense of the host.
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Answer
This is the correct definition of parasitism. A parasite, such as Taenia saginata, benefits from its host (obtaining nutrients) while harming it. This relationship is based on exploitation.
Step 3
C. is transmitted via an intermediate host.
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Answer
While Taenia saginata can involve intermediate hosts for its lifecycle, this feature does not define parasitism itself. Therefore, this option is not the best answer.
Step 4
D. lives within the body of another animal.
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Answer
This is true for many parasites, including Taenia saginata, but it does not fully capture the essence of why it is considered a parasite. Living in the host is a component, but not sufficient on its own.
