Which would be classified as an ectoparasite?

Prepare for the VetSkill Level 3 Diploma VN02 – Diagnostic Principles Test. Engage with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Achieve your certification!

Multiple Choice

Which would be classified as an ectoparasite?

Explanation:
Ectoparasites live on the outside of the host and feed from it. The flea fits this perfectly: it spends its life on the animal’s fur or skin, biting and sucking blood, which makes it an external parasite. In contrast, tapeworms and roundworms live inside the host’s body, as internal parasites (endoparasites). A mosquito larva grows in water and is not parasitic on the host at that stage, so it isn’t an ectoparasite.

Ectoparasites live on the outside of the host and feed from it. The flea fits this perfectly: it spends its life on the animal’s fur or skin, biting and sucking blood, which makes it an external parasite. In contrast, tapeworms and roundworms live inside the host’s body, as internal parasites (endoparasites). A mosquito larva grows in water and is not parasitic on the host at that stage, so it isn’t an ectoparasite.

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