Question

Classify each statement as describing an endoparasite or an ectoparasite: Vulnerable to variable external environments?

1) Endoparasite
2) Ectoparasite

Answer 1

An ectoparasite, living on a host's surface, is more vulnerable to variable external environments compared to an endoparasite, which lives inside its host. The correct answer is option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining whether a parasite is more vulnerable to variable external environments, we must first understand the difference between an endoparasite and an ectoparasite. An endoparasite lives inside its host, protected from external environmental changes.

In contrast, an ectoparasite lives on the surface of its host and is thus more exposed to the external environment, including changes in temperature, humidity, and the presence of chemicals, making them more vulnerable to these variables.

Given this information, the correct classification for a parasite that is vulnerable to variable external environments is 2) Ectoparasite.