Final answer:
The predominant white blood cell in ruminants is the lymphocyte, which is involved in the adaptive immune response. Neutrophils are also important as phagocytic first responders but are not the primary WBC in ruminants. The mentioned correct option in the final answer is 'a. lymphocyte'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predominant white blood cell (WBC) in ruminants is the lymphocyte. Lymphocytes are responsible for the adaptive immune response, and they fall under the category of agranulocytes, which also include monocytes.
Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells that are crucial in responding to infection or injury. On the other hand, neutrophils are phagocytic cells belonging to the granulocytes and act as first responders during injury or infection by engulfing and destroying pathogens.
Given these functions, it is important to note that different leukocytes (WBCs) have different roles in the immune response. Eosinophils and basophils, which are also granulocytes, facilitate the inflammatory response but are not the predominant WBCs in ruminants.