Which statement about fleas is true?

Which statement about fleas is true?

• A. Body is laterally compressed
• B. Chewing mouth parts
• C. Sucking mouthparts and wings
• D. Most prevalent in springtime

Answer: (A)

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with bodies flattened from side to side, a shape that lets them slide through the host’s fur or hair and hide in tight spaces. This lateral compression is a key adaptation for a parasite that must move quickly between hairs and stay close to a host. They don’t chew; they have piercing-sucking mouthparts designed to bite skin and extract blood. Because they’re adapted to living on hosts rather than flying, they lack wings. The idea that they’re most prevalent in spring isn’t universally true—fleas can be active year-round in warm, humid conditions, with populations rising or falling mainly due to host availability and climate rather than a single season.

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with bodies flattened from side to side, a shape that lets them slide through the host’s fur or hair and hide in tight spaces. This lateral compression is a key adaptation for a parasite that must move quickly between hairs and stay close to a host. They don’t chew; they have piercing-sucking mouthparts designed to bite skin and extract blood. Because they’re adapted to living on hosts rather than flying, they lack wings. The idea that they’re most prevalent in spring isn’t universally true—fleas can be active year-round in warm, humid conditions, with populations rising or falling mainly due to host availability and climate rather than a single season.