Question

Toxoplasma and the modification of mice behavior

A) Increases anxiety in mice
B) Causes hyperactivity in mice
C) Reduces fear of predators in mice
D) Causes aggression in mice

Answer 1

Toxoplasma gondii modifies mice behavior by C) reducing their fear of predators, facilitating its life cycle completion in cats, its definitive host.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which causes toxoplasmosis, is known to alter the behavior of infected animals.

Specifically in mice, it is well-documented that Toxoplasma infection can reduce the fear of predators (option C in the question).

This is likely an evolutionary adaptation by the parasite to increase the chances of being ingested by cats, the definitive hosts, where it can complete its life cycle.