Mouth parts of female Anopheles are suitable for

Options

A. chewing
B. piercing and sucking
C. chewing and cutting
D. sucking

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Subject**: The question is about the mouthparts of the female Anopheles mosquito, which is known to be a vector for malaria.

2. **Understand the Function of Mouthparts**: The mouthparts of female Anopheles are specialized for feeding. They are designed to pierce the skin of their hosts to access blood, which is their primary food source.

3. **Describe the Structure**: The mouthparts are elongated and consist of several components. The labrum acts as a sheath that encloses the other mouthparts. This structure forms the main feeding tube through which blood is sucked.

4. **Components Involved**: The mouthparts include paired mandibles and maxillae, which work together to form a stylet. The stylet is crucial for piercing the skin of the host.

5. **Feeding Mechanism**: When the female Anopheles pierces the skin, the labium remains outside the skin while the stylet penetrates. The saliva of the mosquito contains anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting, allowing the mosquito to suck the blood efficiently.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the structure and function of the mouthparts, they are suitable for "piercing and sucking" blood from the host.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct option is "piercing and sucking."

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