What is a tapeworm if a tapeworm lives off the nutrients in an animals digestive tract?

A tapeworm is a parasitic flatworm that resides in the intestines of its host, usually animals, including humans. It absorbs nutrients directly from the host's digestive tract through its skin, as it lacks a digestive system of its own. Tapeworms can grow to significant lengths and reproduce rapidly, often leading to infections that can cause various health issues in their hosts. Their presence typically indicates a compromised state of the host's health and can affect nutrient absorption.