NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What are ectoparasites?
Options
- AParasites that live inside the host’s body
- BParasites that feed on the host's internal organs
- CParasites that live on the external surface of the host
- DParasites that do not require a host
Correct answer
C. Parasites that live on the external surface of the host
Step-by-step solution
Parasites that feed on the external surface of the host organism are called ectoparasites. The most familiar examples of this group are the lice on humans and ticks on dogs. Many marine fish are infested with ectoparasitic copepods. Cuscuta, a parasitic plant that is commonly found growing on hedge plants, has lost its chlorophyll and leaves in the course of evolution. It derives its nutrition from the host plant which it parasitises. The female mosquito is not considered a parasite, although it needs our blood for