Final answer:
The nymph of the American dog tick typically attaches to a dog, which is implied by its common name. Dogs are among the various hosts that ticks can utilize throughout their life cycle. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nymph of the American dog tick can attach to various hosts, but in the context of your options, the most appropriate answer is (b) dog. While ticks can feed on many kinds of animals, the name 'dog tick' suggests that dogs are a common host for this tick.
Other common hosts for different species of ticks, such as the deer tick, can include the white-footed mouse and deer, which are known to be involved in the transmission of Lyme disease. It is important to be aware of the diversity of animals that can serve as hosts for ticks in the spread of diseases.