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Lice are a parasitic ______ of the skin of the scalp, trunk, or pubic area.

A. Infection
B. Rash
C. Infestation
D. Burrowing

User Jbird
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Lice represent a parasitic infestation that can affect various areas of the human body, and studying them has provided insights into human evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lice are a parasitic infestation of the skin of the scalp, trunk, or pubic area. These small parasites live on humans, with specific types adapted to different body regions. For example, the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis), and crab louse or pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) infest different areas and are able to lay their eggs on hair fibers or clothing. They feed on blood and can cause symptoms such as itching and irritation. Research on lice has provided insights into human evolution and migration, as lice co-evolved with humans. Moreover, lice can sometimes carry diseases, such as trench fever caused by Bartonella quintana.

User Tejogol
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