Plasmodium, the malarial parasite, belongs to class

Options

A. Sarcodina
B. Ciliata
C. Sporozoa
D. Dinophyceae

Explanation

To determine the class to which the malarial parasite Plasmodium belongs, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: The question provides four options:
- Sarcodena
- Ciliata
- Sporozoa
- Deinophyceae

2. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Sarcodena**: This class includes protozoans that are characterized by their amoeboid form and movement. A well-known example is Amoeba. However, this class does not include Plasmodium.
- **Ciliata**: This class consists of protozoans that have hair-like structures called cilia for movement. An example is Paramecium. Plasmodium does not belong to this class either.
- **Sporozoa**: This class includes non-motile, one-celled parasites that reproduce by forming spores. Plasmodium is a well-known example of a Sporozoan, as it is a parasite that causes malaria.
- **Deinophyceae**: This group consists of unicellular algae found in water, characterized by their two flagella. This option is not related to Plasmodium.

3. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, Plasmodium, the malarial parasite, belongs to the class **Sporozoa**. This class is characterized by its non-motile nature and the ability to form spores, which is consistent with the life cycle of Plasmodium.

### Final Answer:
Plasmodium, the malarial parasite, belongs to the class **Sporozoa**.

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