Which term describes a mosquito population that shows a preference for feeding on humans?

Which term describes a mosquito population that shows a preference for feeding on humans?

• A. Zoophily
• B. Anthropophily
• C. Endophily
• D. Exophily

Answer: (B)

Understanding host preference in mosquitoes helps explain disease risk. Anthropophily is the tendency of a mosquito population to seek and bite humans rather than animals. When a species or population is highly anthropophilic, humans become a larger portion of their blood meals, which can increase the transmission of human pathogens. Zoophily describes feeding mainly on animals, which reduces direct human biting. Endophily and exophily refer to resting behavior after feeding—indoors or outdoors, respectively—and are about where mosquitoes rest rather than whom they bite.

Understanding host preference in mosquitoes helps explain disease risk. Anthropophily is the tendency of a mosquito population to seek and bite humans rather than animals. When a species or population is highly anthropophilic, humans become a larger portion of their blood meals, which can increase the transmission of human pathogens. Zoophily describes feeding mainly on animals, which reduces direct human biting. Endophily and exophily refer to resting behavior after feeding—indoors or outdoors, respectively—and are about where mosquitoes rest rather than whom they bite.