Mind-controlling Parasites!

The video explores how certain parasites manipulate the brains of their hosts to complete their life cycles. It discusses the green banded brood sac, which uses snails to reach birds, and hair worms that drive grasshoppers to water. Toxoplasma Gondii alters rat behavior to reach cats and may affect human brain chemistry, potentially linking to schizophrenia.

What is the primary goal of the green-banded brood sac when it infects a snail?

• To consume the snail's body

• To make the snail more attractive to birds

• To reproduce inside the snail

• To protect the snail from predators

How does the hair worm ensure it returns to water to reproduce?

• By crawling out of the grasshopper on land

• By making the grasshopper jump into water

• By flying to the nearest water source

• By waiting for rain to transport it

What unusual behavior does Toxoplasma gondii induce in rats?

• Avoiding all predators

• Hiding in dark places

• Seeking out cats

• Becoming more aggressive

What is a potential human health concern related to Toxoplasma gondii?

• Inducing sleep disorders

• Causing severe allergies

• Link to schizophrenia

• Increased risk of heart disease

Which of the following is NOT a method used by parasites to manipulate their hosts?

• Physically controlling host's movements

• Changing host's brain chemistry

• Altering host's appearance

• Providing nutrients to the host