Answer:
Canine dirofilariasis or heartworm disease is a disease caused by a species of parasitic nematode (Dirofilaria immitis) that expands from host to host through mosquito bites. The parasite affects dogs, cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, ferrets, sea lions, and even humans. The worm is called "heartworm" because the parasite, in its last reproductive state of the life cycle, resides in the heart of its host where it can stay for several years, until it kills the host for cardiac arrest.
The worm has several life cycles before they become adults that infest the host's heart. The worm needs the mosquito as an intermediate host to end its life cycle, that is, at least two hosts in addition to the mosquito are necessary for the reproduction of the parasite.
Answer:
The correct answer is "Nematoda".
Explanation:
Heartworms belong to the phylum Nematoda, a group of organisms characterized by being roundworms. Heartworms have certain characteristics that make them members of the phylum Nematoda, including: having a tubular digestive system and being parasites of vertebrates. The scientific name of heartworms is Dirofilaria immitis and are known for inhabiting the hearts, arteries, and lungs of dogs and some cats.
