Question

Scientists have observed unusual "benefits" of parasites in other species. This observation has led to some scientific debate regarding whether some relationships that were once considered parasitic may, in fact, be more mutualistic. Does the article support the idea of the existence of a mutualistic relationship between tapeworms and brine shrimps? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.

Answer 1

No, the article doesn’t support the idea of the existence of a mutualistic relationship between tapeworms and shrimps. The article explains that it’s to the parasite’s benefit to keep the host alive, which explains why it may offer some protective benefit to the organism. The tapeworm still causes harm to the shrimp. So, the tapeworm still fits the definition of a parasite.

Explanation: answer from teacher

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutualism is a type of relationship where the organism involved both benefit from the relationship. This so true of tapeworms and shrimp as the infection caused by tapeworm on the shrimp bring about longetivity of the shrimp because it help them to survive in water containing arsenic toxins. Tapeworm lives on it host the shrimp and shrimp also benefit from tapeworm through its infection.