Concept:The malarial parasite is a protozoan, not a bacterium, virus, or fungus.Explanation:The malarial parasite, known as *Plasmodium*, belongs to the group Protozoa.It is transmitted through the bite of an infected female *Anopheles* mosquito.Protozoa are single‑celled eukaryotic organisms that can be free‑living or parasitic.A malaria vaccine (RTS,S / Mosquirix) exists, but the parasite itself remains a protozoan.Answer:Option B – Protozoa.