NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
How many intermediate hosts does the human liver fluke require to complete its life cycle?
Options
- AOne
- BTwo
- CThree
- DFour
Correct answer
B. Two
Step-by-step solution
The life cycles of parasites are often complex, involving one or two intermediate hosts or vectors to facilitate parasitisation of its primary host. The human liver fluke (a trematode parasite) depends on two intermediate hosts (a snail and a fish) to complete its life cycle. The malarial parasite needs a vector (mosquito) to spread to other hosts. Majority of the parasites harm the host; they may reduce the survival, growth and reproduction of the host and reduce its population density. They might render the host