Fasciola hepatica is a

Options

A. Endoparasite
B. Free living
C. Ectoparasite
D. Both B and C

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Organism**: The question asks about "Fasciola hepatica". It is commonly known as the liver fluke.

2. **Determine the Type of Parasite**: We need to classify Fasciola hepatica as one of the following: endoparasite, free-living, ectoparasite, or both free-living and ectoparasite.

3. **Definition of Endoparasite**: An endoparasite is an organism that lives inside the body of its host.

4. **Life Cycle of Fasciola hepatica**: Fasciola hepatica requires two hosts to complete its life cycle:
- The primary host is typically a sheep (where the adult form is found).
- The secondary host is a gastropod mollusk (where the larval stages develop).

5. **Conclusion on the Type of Parasite**: Since Fasciola hepatica lives inside the body of its host (sheep), it is classified as an endoparasite.

6. **Elimination of Other Options**:
- **Free-living**: Fasciola hepatica does not live independently; it relies on its hosts, so it is not free-living.
- **Ectoparasite**: Ectoparasites live on the surface of the host, which does not apply to Fasciola hepatica as it lives inside the host.
- **Both B and C**: Since it is neither free-living nor ectoparasitic, this option is also incorrect.

7. **Final Answer**: The correct classification for Fasciola hepatica is that it is an **endoparasite**.

**Final Answer**: Endoparasite (Option 1).

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