Which term describes parasites that feed on the external surface of the host, such as mites and leeches?

Which term describes parasites that feed on the external surface of the host, such as mites and leeches?

• A. Endoparasites
• B. Ectoparasites
• C. Hyperparasites
• D. Autoparasites

Answer: (B)

Parasites are categorized by where they live relative to their host. Those that feed from the outside surface are ectoparasites. Mites and leeches sit on the host’s skin or outer surfaces and take nutrients without entering the body, which is exactly what ectoparasites do. In contrast, endoparasites live inside the host’s body. Hyperparasites are parasites of other parasites, not of the host itself, so they describe a different relationship. The term autoparasites isn’t a standard way to describe external versus internal positioning and doesn’t fit this context.

Parasites are categorized by where they live relative to their host. Those that feed from the outside surface are ectoparasites. Mites and leeches sit on the host’s skin or outer surfaces and take nutrients without entering the body, which is exactly what ectoparasites do. In contrast, endoparasites live inside the host’s body. Hyperparasites are parasites of other parasites, not of the host itself, so they describe a different relationship. The term autoparasites isn’t a standard way to describe external versus internal positioning and doesn’t fit this context.