Choose whether the given statement is true or false:

Nematodes are parasites of both plants and animals.

The given statement is true.

Nematodes are a group of worms that are mostly free-living. They occur naturally in soil and are very hard to detect visually. They feed on bacteria, fungi, and other nematodes. They are parasites of both plants and animals. 

They are common soil pests that affect plants and cause severe damage to them. They feed on the plant roots and reduce the nutrient uptake and stress tolerance of the plant. 

In humans, they cause diseases such as Ascariasis, Trichuriasis, Enterobiasis, Filariasis, etc.