As the result of a genetic mutation, certain strains of mice eat so much that their stomachs burst. Which statement provides the most plausible explanation for this?
A) The mice were unable to taste the food, and therefore, they ate more than a normal amount.
B) The mice were given strong antibiotics that interfered with normal intestinal flora.
C) The mechanoreceptors of the mice's stomachs were either absent or not functioning.
D) The mice were born without proprioceptors.
E) The mice's chemoreceptors did not detect the presence of food in their stomachs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most plausible explanation for mice eating until their stomachs burst is that the mechanoreceptors in their stomachs, which are responsible for detecting the stretching of the stomach wall as it fills, were either absent or not functioning. This would prevent the mice from sensing when their stomachs were full, leading to overeating.

As the Result of a Genetic Mutation, Certain Strains of Mice