Which parasite sucks blood from its host?

Which parasite sucks blood from its host?

• A. Ctenocephalides Felis
• B. Macracanthorhynchus Hirudinaceus
• C. Onchocerca Cervicalis
• D. Metastongylus Apri

Answer: (A)

Blood-sucking parasites depend on host blood for nourishment, using mouthparts to pierce the skin and drink a blood meal. Ctenocephalides felis, the common cat flea, fits this pattern perfectly—fleas are external parasites that bite hosts and feed on their blood, which is why they’re a classic example of a blood-sucking parasite. The other organisms don’t feed on blood in the same way. Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus attaches to the intestinal lining and absorbs nutrients from the gut contents rather than blood. Onchocerca cervicalis lives in connective tissues and isn’t a blood-sucker, and Metastrongylus apri resides in the lungs, feeding on tissue fluids rather than blood.

Blood-sucking parasites depend on host blood for nourishment, using mouthparts to pierce the skin and drink a blood meal. Ctenocephalides felis, the common cat flea, fits this pattern perfectly—fleas are external parasites that bite hosts and feed on their blood, which is why they’re a classic example of a blood-sucking parasite.

The other organisms don’t feed on blood in the same way. Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus attaches to the intestinal lining and absorbs nutrients from the gut contents rather than blood. Onchocerca cervicalis lives in connective tissues and isn’t a blood-sucker, and Metastrongylus apri resides in the lungs, feeding on tissue fluids rather than blood.