Cyclops is a pa of life cycle of: September 2007
**Core Concept**
The question is referring to the life cycle of a parasite, specifically a type of protozoan that causes a disease in humans. Cyclops is a stage in the life cycle of this parasite, which is transmitted to humans through contaminated water.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The life cycle of the parasite involves two hosts: a snail and a crustacean (cyclops). The parasite undergoes a series of transformations, including asexual reproduction in the snail and sexual reproduction in the cyclops. When humans ingest contaminated water, the parasite enters the human body and undergoes further transformations, eventually leading to the disease. The cyclops stage is a critical part of the life cycle, as it is the stage at which the parasite is transmitted to humans.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Not relevant to the life cycle of the parasite in question.
**Option B:** Incorrect, as the cyclops stage is not a stage of the parasite's life cycle in the human host.
**Option C:** Incorrect, as this option does not correctly identify the life cycle stage of the parasite.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The life cycle of this parasite is a classic example of a zoonotic disease, which is transmitted from animals to humans. This type of disease is often found in tropical and subtropical regions, where the parasite's life cycle can thrive.
**Correct Answer:** D.