Vectors transmit diseases primarily through two mechanisms:
1. Biological Transmission: In this method, the pathogen undergoes part of its lifecycle within the vector before being transmitted to a new host. For example, the malaria parasite Plasmodium develops within the mosquito before being passed on to a human.
2. Mechanical Transmission: Here, the vector physically carries pathogens without them undergoing any part of their lifecycle within the vector. An example is a fly carrying bacteria from feces to food.
