Which of the following best explains why parasitic worm infestation is hypothesized to be damaging to the host?

• A. Parasitic worms increase the host's immune response, resulting in enhanced resistance to other infections.
• B. Parasitic worms compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malnutrition and tissue damage.
• C. Parasitic worms produce antibiotics that protect the host from bacterial infections.
• D. Parasitic worms directly synthesize vitamins that benefit the host's metabolism.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of parasitic worm infestations. Parasitic worms live inside the host and rely on the host's resources for survival, often causing harm in the process.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options by considering the biological impact of parasitic worms on the host. For example, increased immune response might be a host reaction, but it is not typically beneficial overall.
3. Step 3: Recognize that parasitic worms often consume nutrients from the host, which can lead to malnutrition. This nutrient competition can weaken the host and cause tissue damage.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the other options: parasitic worms producing antibiotics or synthesizing vitamins is not a common or well-supported mechanism in parasitology.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best explanation is that parasitic worms damage the host primarily by competing for nutrients, leading to malnutrition and tissue damage.