Question
Question: The mosquito that transmits malaria is a) Female _Anopheles_ b) Male _Anopheles_ c) Female _Cu...
The mosquito that transmits malaria is
a) Female Anopheles
b) Male Anopheles
c) Female Culex
d) Male Culex
Solution
Malaria is caused by a protozoan called Plasmodium. It is transmitted by the help of a vector which is an insect. The insect bites the host through which the sporozoites enter the bloodstream and reach the liver.
Complete answer:
Malaria is a disease caused by protozoa called Plasmodium. It is an insect borne disease in which the parasite is carried by the female Anopheles. It bites the person and the parasite enters the bloodstream. Malaria is a life-threatening disease but can be preventable and curable.
Female Anopheles - These mosquitos pick up the parasite from the infected person. They need blood so as to nurture their eggs. As these are affected by Plasmodium , they act as the carrier.
Male Anopheles - These mosquitos do not bite. They feed on the nectar of the flowers. The lifespan of males is around 1 week.
Female Culex - The bite of the female Culex causes Japanese Encephalitis. They are the carrier of Arbovirus. They fly at night and lay eggs in standing water. They need blood for nourishment of eggs.
Male Culex - The male Culex do not feed on mammal blood. They suck nectar from the flowers.
Thus, the correct answer is option A.
Note:
The symptoms of malaria include chills, fever and sweating. The symptoms occur a few weeks after the mosquito has bitten. The severity of the disease depends on the strain of Plasmodium. The disease can be treated by the use of several drugs like quinine. The disease can be prevented by preventing the spread of mosquitoes.