NEETZoologyHuman Health and Diseases
What is the vector (transmitting agent) of the malarial parasite?
Options
- AThe male Anopheles mosquito
- BThe female Anopheles mosquito
- CHumans
- DNone of the above
Correct answer
B. The female Anopheles mosquito
Step-by-step solution
Malaria is caused by a tiny protozoan named Plasmodium.Malignant malaria, which is the most serious form of malaria, is caused by Plasmodium falciparum.The female Anopheles mosquito is the vector (transmitting agent) in the life cycle of Plasmodium. The sporozoites of Plasmodium are stored in the salivary glands of the mosquito and when the mosquito bites a human, the sporozoites are introduced into their body. The female Anopheles mosquito is the vector (transmitting agent) of the malarial parasite. The female Ano