Which environmental condition is favorable for tick survival?

Ticks thrive in environments that provide shelter and moisture, making dense foliage and moist areas highly favorable for their survival. These conditions allow ticks to remain hydrated and protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can lead to desiccation. The presence of dense vegetation offers ample locations for ticks to attach themselves to hosts, as they often rely on wildlife or pets passing through these areas to find a blood meal. Ticks are particularly adept at surviving in leaf litter, tall grass, and shaded wooded regions where humidity levels tend to be higher.

In contrast, dry and sunny areas are less hospitable for ticks as they can quickly lose moisture and are exposed to desiccation. Open grassy fields may not have the shelter ticks prefer, while cold, snowy terrains, although providing some moisture, do not support tick activity during winter due to freezing temperatures, which limit their survival and reproductive capabilities. Hence, the combination of density and moisture found in foliage creates an ideal habitat for tick populations to flourish.