Final answer:
Oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii are released during the sporogonic cycle and must sporulate before becoming infective. After ingestion, the oocysts transform into tachyzoites that localize in the host's neural and muscle tissue, developing into tissue cysts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii are released into the environment during the sporogonic cycle and must sporulate before being infective. Intermediate hosts, such as birds and rodents, become infected after ingesting soil, water, or plant material contaminated with the infective oocysts. Once ingested, the oocysts transform into tachyzoites and localize in the host's neural and muscle tissue, where they develop into tissue cysts.