The Parasite That Makes You King

The Parasite That Makes You King

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science

11th Grade - University

Hard

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The video explores the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect various animals, including wolves. While generally harmful, it may benefit wolves by increasing their likelihood of becoming pack leaders. The parasite influences host behavior, making infected animals more prone to risk-taking. A study in Yellowstone showed infected wolves were more likely to disperse and become leaders, despite the risks. Toxoplasma completes its life cycle in cats, with cougars in Yellowstone serving as a primary host. The video also discusses similar effects in other animals, like hyenas and lions.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii?

Birds

Rodents

Wolves

Cats

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How does Toxoplasma gondii affect rodents?

Enhances their vision

Reduces their fear of cats

Increases their appetite

Makes them avoid water

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What unusual effect does Toxoplasma have on gray wolves?

Makes them more likely to become pack leaders

Causes them to avoid other wolves

Increases their fear of humans

Decreases their hunting skills

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was one of the risk-taking behaviors studied in Yellowstone wolves?

Hunting in groups

Dispersing from the pack

Avoiding humans

Sleeping more

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How much more likely were infected wolves to become pack leaders?

20 times

5 times

10 times

46 times

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is a potential way wolves might get infected with Toxoplasma in Yellowstone?

Interacting with humans

Hunting in packs

Eating cougar scats

Drinking contaminated water

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What similar behavior was observed in hyenas with Toxoplasma?

Avoiding lions

Sleeping less

Being bolder around lions

Hunting more frequently