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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an example of a permanently parasitic arthropod?
Which of the following is an example of a permanently parasitic arthropod?
What is true about the life cycle of the poultry red mite?
What is true about the life cycle of the poultry red mite?
How do mange mites reproduce?
How do mange mites reproduce?
What distinguishes ectoparasites from endoparasites?
What distinguishes ectoparasites from endoparasites?
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What is a characteristic feature of the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus?
What is a characteristic feature of the sheep ked, Melophagus ovinus?
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Which characteristic allows some mites to be classified as temporarily parasitic?
Which characteristic allows some mites to be classified as temporarily parasitic?
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What feature enhances the survival of adult arthropod parasites against predation?
What feature enhances the survival of adult arthropod parasites against predation?
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What type of metamorphosis do house flies undergo?
What type of metamorphosis do house flies undergo?
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How many larval stages are present in the life cycle of house flies?
How many larval stages are present in the life cycle of house flies?
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What is a key characteristic of the feeding method of adult fleas?
What is a key characteristic of the feeding method of adult fleas?
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What are the stages of the life cycle in arachnids typically classified as?
What are the stages of the life cycle in arachnids typically classified as?
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What is the primary advantage of arthropod life cycles and reproductive strategies?
What is the primary advantage of arthropod life cycles and reproductive strategies?
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What happens to larvae in the three-host tick life cycle after feeding on a host?
What happens to larvae in the three-host tick life cycle after feeding on a host?
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Which of the following best describes the condition of larval stages feeding on rotting organic material?
Which of the following best describes the condition of larval stages feeding on rotting organic material?
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What is the term used for the stages between larva and adult in complete metamorphosis?
What is the term used for the stages between larva and adult in complete metamorphosis?
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What term is used to describe the juvenile stages of insects that undergo partial metamorphosis?
What term is used to describe the juvenile stages of insects that undergo partial metamorphosis?
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Which of the following characteristics is unique to the Arachnida group of parasites?
Which of the following characteristics is unique to the Arachnida group of parasites?
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In insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, what stage typically follows the larval stage?
In insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, what stage typically follows the larval stage?
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How long does it typically take for the life cycle of the human head louse to be completed?
How long does it typically take for the life cycle of the human head louse to be completed?
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What distinguishes the juveniles of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis from adults?
What distinguishes the juveniles of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis from adults?
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How do female human head lice secure their eggs?
How do female human head lice secure their eggs?
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During which stage do insects undergoing partial metamorphosis shed their old cuticle?
During which stage do insects undergoing partial metamorphosis shed their old cuticle?
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Which of the following statements about the life cycle of the cat flea is true?
Which of the following statements about the life cycle of the cat flea is true?
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What feature of the labella assists in the feeding process of certain parasites?
What feature of the labella assists in the feeding process of certain parasites?
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Which mouthpart structure is specifically adapted for incising the epidermis in blood-feeding parasites?
Which mouthpart structure is specifically adapted for incising the epidermis in blood-feeding parasites?
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How do temporary parasites effectively attach and feed from their hosts?
How do temporary parasites effectively attach and feed from their hosts?
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What is the primary role of the hypostome in blood-feeding parasites?
What is the primary role of the hypostome in blood-feeding parasites?
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What characteristic helps fleas find their hosts for feeding?
What characteristic helps fleas find their hosts for feeding?
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Which mechanism do sponging mouthparts utilize during feeding?
Which mechanism do sponging mouthparts utilize during feeding?
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What type of parasites utilize the structure of the hypostome during feeding?
What type of parasites utilize the structure of the hypostome during feeding?
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During which action do the labella with teeth extend for feeding?
During which action do the labella with teeth extend for feeding?
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What adaptation do fleas have to help them remain on their hosts?
What adaptation do fleas have to help them remain on their hosts?
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What is the survival condition for Sarcoptes scabiei outside of their host?
What is the survival condition for Sarcoptes scabiei outside of their host?
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What defines mechanical transmission by arthropods?
What defines mechanical transmission by arthropods?
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What is required for biological transmission to occur in arthropods?
What is required for biological transmission to occur in arthropods?
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In trans-statial biological transmission, how many hosts do ticks typically feed on at different life stages?
In trans-statial biological transmission, how many hosts do ticks typically feed on at different life stages?
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What happens to pathogens during the moulting of ticks?
What happens to pathogens during the moulting of ticks?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to biological transmission?
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to biological transmission?
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What characteristic is common among parasites adapted to live on their hosts?
What characteristic is common among parasites adapted to live on their hosts?
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What adaptations do the mouthparts of chewing lice like Columbicola columbae and Trichodectes canis exhibit?
What adaptations do the mouthparts of chewing lice like Columbicola columbae and Trichodectes canis exhibit?
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Which insect is known for having mouthparts adapted for slashing and sponging?
Which insect is known for having mouthparts adapted for slashing and sponging?
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What functionality do the hypodermic sucking mouthparts of mosquitoes provide?
What functionality do the hypodermic sucking mouthparts of mosquitoes provide?
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Which of the following best describes the mouthparts of the stable fly?
Which of the following best describes the mouthparts of the stable fly?
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What is the primary purpose of the cutting and slashing mouthparts seen in midges and tabanids?
What is the primary purpose of the cutting and slashing mouthparts seen in midges and tabanids?
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When considering parasitic adaptations for feeding, which type of mouthpart is associated with myiasis fly larvae?
When considering parasitic adaptations for feeding, which type of mouthpart is associated with myiasis fly larvae?
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Which element of insect mouthparts is primarily responsible for creating a wound during feeding?
Which element of insect mouthparts is primarily responsible for creating a wound during feeding?
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What type of mouthpart adaptations do Tabinid horses flies possess?
What type of mouthpart adaptations do Tabinid horses flies possess?
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What role do nymphs play in the life cycle of insects with partial metamorphosis?
What role do nymphs play in the life cycle of insects with partial metamorphosis?
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How does the life cycle duration of the human head louse influence its transmission among hosts?
How does the life cycle duration of the human head louse influence its transmission among hosts?
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What is the significance of female fleas laying eggs continuously in relation to their survival?
What is the significance of female fleas laying eggs continuously in relation to their survival?
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What does complete metamorphosis entail in the life cycle of parasites like the Culex mosquito?
What does complete metamorphosis entail in the life cycle of parasites like the Culex mosquito?
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In which stage do insects undergoing partial metamorphosis significantly grow in size?
In which stage do insects undergoing partial metamorphosis significantly grow in size?
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How does the adaptation of having mouthparts designed for piercing benefit blood-feeding arthropods?
How does the adaptation of having mouthparts designed for piercing benefit blood-feeding arthropods?
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What is the primary advantage of juveniles being adapted for feeding during complete metamorphosis?
What is the primary advantage of juveniles being adapted for feeding during complete metamorphosis?
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Why is the absence of antennae in arachnids like ticks significant in their classification?
Why is the absence of antennae in arachnids like ticks significant in their classification?
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What are the implications of complete metamorphosis in the life cycle of arthropods?
What are the implications of complete metamorphosis in the life cycle of arthropods?
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How does the life cycle of house flies contribute to their rapid population expansion?
How does the life cycle of house flies contribute to their rapid population expansion?
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What role does moulting play in the life cycle of arachnids?
What role does moulting play in the life cycle of arachnids?
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What is the significance of larvae feeding on rotting organic material in arthropod life cycles?
What is the significance of larvae feeding on rotting organic material in arthropod life cycles?
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Describe how the three-host tick life cycle maximizes survival and reproduction.
Describe how the three-host tick life cycle maximizes survival and reproduction.
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How do the reproductive strategies of arthropod parasites adapt to adverse conditions?
How do the reproductive strategies of arthropod parasites adapt to adverse conditions?
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What is the impact of having multiple larval stages in the life cycle of certain arthropods?
What is the impact of having multiple larval stages in the life cycle of certain arthropods?
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Explain the advantages of the partial metamorphosis observed in some arachnids.
Explain the advantages of the partial metamorphosis observed in some arachnids.
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What structural feature of adult arthropod parasites aids in their protection against desiccation?
What structural feature of adult arthropod parasites aids in their protection against desiccation?
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Explain how temporary parasites like the poultry red mite utilize their environment for feeding.
Explain how temporary parasites like the poultry red mite utilize their environment for feeding.
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Identify a reason why some arthropod parasites adapt to be permanently parasitic.
Identify a reason why some arthropod parasites adapt to be permanently parasitic.
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How do female sheep keds reproduce in relation to their environment?
How do female sheep keds reproduce in relation to their environment?
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Describe the significance of the life cycle of arthropod parasites in relation to their survival.
Describe the significance of the life cycle of arthropod parasites in relation to their survival.
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What mechanism do arthropod parasites use to evade environmental challenges when off their hosts?
What mechanism do arthropod parasites use to evade environmental challenges when off their hosts?
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What role does the lifecycle of Dermanyssus gallinae play in its parasitism strategy?
What role does the lifecycle of Dermanyssus gallinae play in its parasitism strategy?
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How do adaptations in body structure contribute to the success of female keds as permanent parasites?
How do adaptations in body structure contribute to the success of female keds as permanent parasites?
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What is the role of maggots in the life cycle of myiasis flies?
What is the role of maggots in the life cycle of myiasis flies?
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Describe the parasitic nature of Trombicula autumnalis throughout its life stages.
Describe the parasitic nature of Trombicula autumnalis throughout its life stages.
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How do the feeding adaptations of myiasis fly larvae support their survival?
How do the feeding adaptations of myiasis fly larvae support their survival?
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What significant adaptation do ticks exhibit in all life stages?
What significant adaptation do ticks exhibit in all life stages?
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Explain the importance of larval feeding before pupation in myiasis flies.
Explain the importance of larval feeding before pupation in myiasis flies.
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What feeding adaptations distinguish the larvae of myiasis flies from adult flies?
What feeding adaptations distinguish the larvae of myiasis flies from adult flies?
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How do harvest mite larvae differ from their nymph and adult stages in terms of feeding?
How do harvest mite larvae differ from their nymph and adult stages in terms of feeding?
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What role do sensory organs play in the parasitism of Ixodes ricinus tick larvae?
What role do sensory organs play in the parasitism of Ixodes ricinus tick larvae?
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How do the labella of certain parasites assist in feeding?
How do the labella of certain parasites assist in feeding?
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What is the role of jaw-like chelicerae in blood-feeding parasites?
What is the role of jaw-like chelicerae in blood-feeding parasites?
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Describe the function of the hypostome in blood-feeding parasites like ticks.
Describe the function of the hypostome in blood-feeding parasites like ticks.
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What adaptations do temporary parasites possess to find and attach to hosts?
What adaptations do temporary parasites possess to find and attach to hosts?
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How do sponging mouthparts function during the feeding process of house flies?
How do sponging mouthparts function during the feeding process of house flies?
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What is a key feature of the mouthparts of Ixodes ricinus ticks?
What is a key feature of the mouthparts of Ixodes ricinus ticks?
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What is the significance of the barbed structure of the hypostome in ticks?
What is the significance of the barbed structure of the hypostome in ticks?
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What method do fleas employ to enhance their attachment to hosts?
What method do fleas employ to enhance their attachment to hosts?
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What is the significance of a large surface to volume ratio for Sarcoptes scabiei?
What is the significance of a large surface to volume ratio for Sarcoptes scabiei?
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Explain the role of female flies in mechanical transmission of pathogens.
Explain the role of female flies in mechanical transmission of pathogens.
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What happens to pathogens in ticks during their life cycle stages?
What happens to pathogens in ticks during their life cycle stages?
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Why is trans-statial biological transmission significant in the life cycle of three-host ticks?
Why is trans-statial biological transmission significant in the life cycle of three-host ticks?
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What distinguishes biological transmission from mechanical transmission in the context of arthropods?
What distinguishes biological transmission from mechanical transmission in the context of arthropods?
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How are the mouthparts of arthropods adapted to facilitate feeding on hosts?
How are the mouthparts of arthropods adapted to facilitate feeding on hosts?
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Describe how the structure of the hypostome benefits blood-feeding parasites.
Describe how the structure of the hypostome benefits blood-feeding parasites.
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What is the impact of the flattened body shape of fleas on their parasitic lifestyle?
What is the impact of the flattened body shape of fleas on their parasitic lifestyle?
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What is a key characteristic that distinguishes yeasts from moulds?
What is a key characteristic that distinguishes yeasts from moulds?
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Which class of fungi is associated with producing ascospores?
Which class of fungi is associated with producing ascospores?
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What type of hyphae do fungi of the Zygomycota phylum exhibit?
What type of hyphae do fungi of the Zygomycota phylum exhibit?
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Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of pathogenic fungi?
Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of pathogenic fungi?
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What defines dimorphic fungi?
What defines dimorphic fungi?
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Flashcards
Partial Metamorphosis
Partial Metamorphosis
Insect life cycle where juvenile stages resemble adults, called nymphs.
Complete Metamorphosis
Complete Metamorphosis
Insect life cycle with distinct juvenile (larva) and adult stages, with a pupal stage in between.
Insect Nymph
Insect Nymph
The juvenile stage of insects undergoing incomplete metamorphosis; resembles a smaller adult.
Insect Larva
Insect Larva
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Flea Life Cycle
Flea Life Cycle
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Head Louse Life Cycle
Head Louse Life Cycle
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Arachnida Characteristics
Arachnida Characteristics
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Parasitic Disease Diagnosis
Parasitic Disease Diagnosis
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Arthropod Life Cycle
Arthropod Life Cycle
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Flea Larva
Flea Larva
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Host
Host
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Moulting
Moulting
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Life Cycle Impact on Control
Life Cycle Impact on Control
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Tick Life Cycle
Tick Life Cycle
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Parasitic Adaptations
Parasitic Adaptations
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Permanent Parasitism
Permanent Parasitism
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Temporary Parasitism
Temporary Parasitism
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Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
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Sheep Ked (Melophagus ovinus)
Sheep Ked (Melophagus ovinus)
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Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)
Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)
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Ectoparasite
Ectoparasite
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Endoparasite
Endoparasite
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Chewing Mouthparts
Chewing Mouthparts
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Tearing Mouthparts
Tearing Mouthparts
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Cutting & Slashing Mouthparts
Cutting & Slashing Mouthparts
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Hypodermic Tubes
Hypodermic Tubes
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Blood-Feeding Mouthparts
Blood-Feeding Mouthparts
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Proboscis Structure
Proboscis Structure
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Stable Fly Mouthparts
Stable Fly Mouthparts
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Mouthpart Adaptation
Mouthpart Adaptation
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House Fly Mouthparts
House Fly Mouthparts
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Chelicerae
Chelicerae
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Parasite Adaptation: Flattened Body
Parasite Adaptation: Flattened Body
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Parasite Adaptation: Hooks & Combs
Parasite Adaptation: Hooks & Combs
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Parasite Adaptation: Large Surface Area
Parasite Adaptation: Large Surface Area
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Mechanical Transmission
Mechanical Transmission
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Biological Transmission
Biological Transmission
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Trans-stadial Transmission
Trans-stadial Transmission
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Pathogen Movement: Gut to Salivary Glands
Pathogen Movement: Gut to Salivary Glands
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Three-host Tick Transmission
Three-host Tick Transmission
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What helps diagnose parasitic diseases?
What helps diagnose parasitic diseases?
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What are the key features of Arachnida?
What are the key features of Arachnida?
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How are Nits and Eggs linked?
How are Nits and Eggs linked?
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What is the significance of the Flea's life cycle?
What is the significance of the Flea's life cycle?
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How do Blood-Sucking Lice reproduce?
How do Blood-Sucking Lice reproduce?
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Why is understanding insect life cycles important?
Why is understanding insect life cycles important?
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Chitinous Exoskeleton
Chitinous Exoskeleton
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Desiccation
Desiccation
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Adaptation
Adaptation
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Life Cycle Implications for Control
Life Cycle Implications for Control
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Three Host Tick Cycle
Three Host Tick Cycle
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Survival Strategies During Adversity
Survival Strategies During Adversity
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Reproductive Strategies of Parasites
Reproductive Strategies of Parasites
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Pharate Stages
Pharate Stages
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Myiasis Fly Larvae
Myiasis Fly Larvae
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Harvest Mite Larvae
Harvest Mite Larvae
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Sheep Blow Fly Larvae
Sheep Blow Fly Larvae
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Parasitism in Arthropod Life Cycles
Parasitism in Arthropod Life Cycles
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Implications of Arthropod Adaptations for Control
Implications of Arthropod Adaptations for Control
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Mouthparts for Blood-Feeding
Mouthparts for Blood-Feeding
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Adaptation: Flattened Body
Adaptation: Flattened Body
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Adaptation: Hooks and Combs
Adaptation: Hooks and Combs
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Adaptation: Large Surface Area
Adaptation: Large Surface Area
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Gut to Salivary Glands
Gut to Salivary Glands
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Labella with teeth
Labella with teeth
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Sponging mouthparts
Sponging mouthparts
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Mite and tick feeding mouthparts
Mite and tick feeding mouthparts
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Hypostome function
Hypostome function
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How ticks feed
How ticks feed
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Adaptations for parasitic behaviour
Adaptations for parasitic behaviour
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Fleas and their hosts
Fleas and their hosts
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Fungal Pathogens
Fungal Pathogens
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Dimorphic Fungi
Dimorphic Fungi
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Septate Hyphae
Septate Hyphae
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Conidia (Conidiospores)
Conidia (Conidiospores)
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Germ Tube Formation
Germ Tube Formation
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Study Notes
Arthropods as Parasites and Vectors
- Arthropods are a diverse group of invertebrates that make up 80% of known animal species
- They possess a hard exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed limbs
- They can be classified as insects (Insecta) or arachnids (Arachnida)
- Some arthropods act as parasites
- Other arthropods are vectors of pathogens
- Examples of different arthropod groups that act as parasites and/or vectors include mites, ticks, lice, fleas, and flies
- Understanding arthropod biology is critical to controlling parasitic diseases
- Arthropod biology learning outcomes include understanding their roles as veterinary parasites and vectors, and diversity in life cycles and adaptations to parasitic life. This understanding aids in parasite control.
Arthropod Biology
- Arthropods have circulatory systems driven by a heart, which circulates haemolymph through an open system.
- Sensory organs are concentrated in the cerebral ganglion region. This is where two nerve chords join
- Mouthparts have various forms adapted for their function - this is for food acquisition (e.g. piercing, sucking, chewing).
- Excretory organs are malpighian tubules
- Insects have tracheal tubes for gas exchange
- Insects have three pairs of legs in the adult form and one pair of antennae
Arachnids
- Arachnids have four pairs of legs in nymphs and adults.
- They have no antennae.
- Their body parts are fused (cephalothorax and abdomen).
Insect Life Cycles - Metamorphosis
- Partial Metamorphosis:
- Juvenile stages closely resemble adults
- Development happens in a series of stages called nymphs
- The insect sheds its cuticle during development in 4–5 stages, increasing in size with each stage
- Complete Metamorphosis:*
- There are significant differences between juvenile and adult stages
- The juvenile stages are referred to as larvae, maggots, or grubs, which are adapted for feeding and growth
- During metamorphosis, there is restructuring of the entire body in the pupa stage
- Examples include flies, mosquitos, and fleas
Life Cycle of the Human Head Louse (Pediculus humanus capitus)
- Adults are sexually reproductive
- Life cycle completed in ~2 weeks
- Females attach eggs to hair shafts
- Nymphs hatch from eggs
- Nymphs moult three times before becoming adults
Arachnida Life Cycles - Partial Metamorphosis
- A basic life cycle consists of 4 stages (egg, 6-legged larva, 8-legged nymph, 8-legged adult)
- some genera have further division into intermediate stages (pre-larva, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, trinymph, adult)
- There is moulting between growth stages
Three Host Tick Life Cycle
- Eggs are laid on the grounds by adult female
- Larvae hatch and feed on host
- Larvae drop and moult to nymphs
- Nymphs feed on host
- Nymphs drop and moult to adults
- Adults feed/mate on a host
Arthropod Parasite Reproductive Strategies
- Life cycles are geared to take advantage of favorable conditions for fast population expansion
- Survival during adverse conditions (e.g. during pupation, moulting, or a pharate stage) is important to species continuation.
Adult Arthropod Parasite Biology
- Chitinous exoskeletons protect arthropods from pathogens, predators, and desiccation.
- Most arthropods are ectoparasites (live on their hosts) but some are endoparasites (live inside their hosts)
Adult Arthropod Parasite Biology - Permanent Parasites
- Some mites and keds live as permanent parasites
Adult Arthropod Parasite Biology - Temporary Parasites
- Some arthropods (e.g. midges and some mites) only visit hosts for brief blood meals
Adult Arthropod Parasite Biology - Developmentally Parasitic
- Examples of this include myiasis flies and some harvest mites.
Life Cycle of the Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
- Females lay eggs continuously
- Eggs, containing blood, drop into environment
- Larvae feed on partly digested blood faeces
- The transition from larva to pupa to adult is a complete metamorphosis
Life Cycle of the House Fly (Musca domestica)
- Adults are parasitic
- Sponging mouthparts
- Eggs are laid in the environment (e.g. dung, rotting organic matter)
- Larvae (maggots) develop in same environment
- Larvae have three stages
- Larvae develop into pupae in the same environment
- Adults develop from this pupae
Insect Larvae
- Fly larvae extensively feed as the way to support the adults for survival.
- Some larvae are parasitic, like the myiasis fly larvae
Arachnid Larvae
- Ticks and most mites are parasitic through all their life stages
- This is not true for all mites though
Parasitic Adaptations for Feeding
- Different mouthparts adapted to different feeding mechanisms (e.g. chewing lice, mosquito, fly, tick)
- Chewing - adapted for skin scales/hair
- Tearing - large, strong, curved hooks
- Sponging - act as sponges for secretions from surfaces
- Cutting and slashing - for midges and tabanids
- Hypodermic tubes (mosquitoes and stable flies)
Other Adaptations for Parasitic Behaviour
- Temporary parasites find hosts using sensory organs (wings, eyes, antennae, powerful legs)
- Temporary parasites often eat rapidly, adhere strongly or secrete anaesthetics to avoid removal by their host
- Permanent parasites remain on their hosts using hooks, combs, or scales
Arthropods as Transmitters of Pathogens
- Mechanical Transmission: No life cycle involvement of pathogens in parasite vector or development of pathogens within the vector
- Biological Transmission: transfer of pathogens between hosts in blood-feeding cycles. Pathogens must survive within vector and move from the gut to the mouthparts before being transmitted to another host
- Pathogens survive through moulting stages. They must move from the gut to the salivary glands for transmission to a new host
Arthropod Vectors
- Survival and replication within the vector is often a significant stage in a pathogen life cycle (e.g. bluetongue, African horse sickness, tick-borne fever, babesiosis)
- Many pathogens are spread by feeding or blood taking
- Transmission by biting or other activities of the vector
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Description
Explore the role of arthropods as both parasites and vectors in disease transmission. This quiz covers their classification, biological features, and the importance of understanding their life cycles and adaptations for effective parasite control. Delve into examples like mites, ticks, and fleas.