Reproduction of a tapeworm.
Each section of the tapeworm contains a complete set of male and female reproductive organs that produce the sex cells. Fertilization is internal; in most species cross fertilization between two worms is necessary and common , but in a few species self-fertilization may occur between two sections of the same worm, or within the same region. In some species the fertilized eggs are shed continuously and leave the worms' body in the feces; in others the fertilized eggs are stored until the section of the worm is filled with them and then the entire region is then shed. The eggs develop into embryos with a hard outer shell; these do not hatch until they are eaten by a suitable intermediate host or worm again.