We Had Catnip All Wrong

The video explores a study by Japanese researchers on why cats react to catnip and silver vine. The study found that a chemical in silver vine, Nepatel Lectal, activates a reward system in cats' brains, similar to intoxication. The researchers hypothesize that this response may have evolved as a mosquito repellent, as cats transfer the chemical to their fur, reducing mosquito landings. While the study shows a potential benefit, further genetic research is needed to confirm the evolutionary purpose of this behavior.

What is the primary reason humans find it amusing to give cats catnip?

• It causes cats to become aggressive.

• It makes cats more affectionate.

• It makes cats sleepy.

• It induces funny, intoxicated-like behavior in cats.

What did the Japanese researchers use to test the cats' response to silver vine?

• Catnip toys

• Nepatelactol-soaked paper

• Silver vine leaves

• Silver vine oil

What system in the feline brain is activated by the compound found in silver vine?

• The nervous system

• The immune system

• The reward system

• The digestive system

What hypothesis did researchers propose about the evolutionary advantage of catnip and silver vine?

• They improve cats' vision.

• They help cats hunt better.

• They make cats more social.

• They serve as mosquito repellents.

What evidence did researchers find to support the mosquito repellent hypothesis?

• Cats developed a thicker fur coat.

• Cats avoided areas with mosquitoes.

• Cats became more aggressive towards mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes landed less on cats with nepatelactol on their fur.