Questions: What is the cause of malaria? the loss of the ability to clot a protozoan parasite a buildup of plaque (fatty material) in the lumen of arteries a blockage of vessels to the heart a tapeworm from eating uncooked fish

The answer is the second one: a protozoan parasite.

Explanation for each option:

1. The loss of the ability to clot: This is incorrect. The loss of the ability to clot is related to bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, not malaria.

2. A protozoan parasite: This is correct. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are protozoan parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

3. A buildup of plaque (fatty material) in the lumen of arteries: This is incorrect. This condition is related to atherosclerosis, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases, not malaria.

4. A blockage of vessels to the heart: This is incorrect. This condition is associated with heart attacks or coronary artery disease, not malaria.

5. A tapeworm from eating uncooked fish: This is incorrect. Tapeworm infections are caused by consuming undercooked or raw fish, but they are not related to malaria.

In summary, malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite, specifically from the genus Plasmodium.