TED: Zombie roaches and other parasite tales | Ed Yong

The video explores the fascinating world of parasitic manipulation in animals, challenging the assumption that animals are always in control of their actions. It highlights examples like the tapeworm in Artemia shrimp and the Gordian worm in crickets, showing how parasites can control their hosts to complete their life cycles. The video also discusses the potential influence of Toxoplasma gondii on mammals, including humans, and compares this to human attempts at manipulation. The overarching theme is the surprising and often sinister role parasites play in the natural world.

What assumption about animal behavior is challenged in the context of parasitic manipulation?

• Animals are always in control of their actions.

• Animals never form groups.

• Parasites do not affect animal behavior.

• Animals are always solitary creatures.

How does the tapeworm benefit from manipulating Artemia shrimp?

• It helps the shrimp find food.

• It makes the shrimp more colorful.

• It increases the shrimp's lifespan.

• It makes the shrimp easier for flamingos to spot and eat.

What is the ultimate goal of the Gordian worm when it manipulates crickets?

• To increase the cricket's lifespan.

• To make the cricket more colorful.

• To get the cricket into water for the worm to mate.

• To make the cricket jump higher.

What fascinates the author about parasites?

• Their ability to fly.

• Their colorful appearance.

• Their mind-controlling abilities.

• Their size and shape.

What role does the parasitic wasp play in the life of a caterpillar?

• It lays eggs inside the caterpillar.

• It makes the caterpillar more colorful.

• It helps the caterpillar find food.

• It protects the caterpillar from predators.

What did scientists find in Californian estuaries regarding parasites?

• Parasites were only found in birds.

• Parasites were only found in fish.

• Parasites were abundant and significant.

• Parasites were rare and insignificant.

What is the significance of trematodes in the ecosystem?

• They are larger than all fish.

• They are only found in snails.

• They are insignificant in the ecosystem.

• They weigh as much as all the fish in the estuaries.

What is Toxoplasma gondii's effect on rodents?

• It makes them more aggressive.

• It increases their lifespan.

• It turns them into cat-seeking missiles.

• It makes them avoid cats.

What is a potential implication of Toxoplasma gondii on humans?

• It makes humans more intelligent.

• It may influence human behavior.

• It has no effect on humans.

• It makes humans more aggressive.

What does the author suggest about the prevalence of parasitic manipulation?

• It is rare and insignificant.

• It is common and significant.

• It only affects mammals.

• It only affects insects.