Mark each statement as true or false. Rewrite the false statements to make them true by changing the underlined word(s).


__________ Humans can become intermediate hosts for Taenia saginata.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the organism in question: Taenia saginata, commonly known as the beef tapeworm.
2. Understand the life cycle of Taenia saginata, which involves two hosts: a definitive host and an intermediate host.
3. Recognize that the definitive host is where the adult tapeworm resides and reproduces, while the intermediate host harbors the larval stages.
4. Determine the typical hosts for Taenia saginata: humans are the definitive hosts, and cattle are the intermediate hosts.
5. Conclude that the statement is false because humans are not intermediate hosts for Taenia saginata; they are the definitive hosts.

Key Concepts

Intermediate Hosts

Intermediate hosts are organisms that harbor the larval or juvenile stages of a parasite, which undergoes development before reaching its definitive host. In the case of Taenia saginata, which is a tapeworm, the definitive host is typically humans, while cattle serve as the intermediate hosts. Understanding the role of intermediate hosts is crucial for comprehending the life cycle of parasites.

Taenia saginata

Taenia saginata, commonly known as the beef tapeworm, is a parasitic flatworm that primarily infects humans through the consumption of undercooked beef containing its larvae. It is important to recognize that humans are not intermediate hosts for this parasite; instead, they are the definitive hosts where the adult tapeworm resides in the intestines. This distinction is vital for understanding transmission and infection prevention.

Host-Parasite Relationships

Host-parasite relationships describe the interactions between a host organism and a parasitic organism. These relationships can be complex, involving various adaptations by the parasite to exploit the host for survival and reproduction. In the context of Taenia saginata, recognizing that humans serve as the definitive host helps clarify the dynamics of infection and the importance of proper food handling to prevent transmission.