The tapeworm is a parasite, that relies on other host organisms to reproduce and live. They are covered in hooks and other tools to attach to other hosts. Like the other Platyhelminthes, the tapeworm is a hermaphrodite; meaning they contain both female and male reproductive organs. Sperm from the tapeworm will either fertilize its own egg, or find another egg from another tapeworm to fertilize. Once the egg is fertilized it will go into the fecal metter of the new host until it finds another host. Once inside the new host, the tapeworm will burrow itself, and start the process all over again.