Plagiorhynchus worms and Puccinia rusts are parasites that share the ability to change their host's behavior in way that
A) increase the length of time they can survive in their hosts.
B) decrease their host's mortality rates.
C) increase their hosts reproduction, thereby increasing production of parasite-infected offspring.
D) increase the likelihood of their (the parasites') transmission to a new host.
E) decrease the hosts' vulnerability to other parasites.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both Plagiorhynchus worms and Puccinia rusts are known to manipulate their host's behavior in a way that increase the likelihood of their transmission to a new host. For example, Plagiorhynchus worms cause infected amphipods (their hosts) to move to the surface of the water at night, where they are more likely to be eaten by birds who act as their next host. Puccinia rusts cause infected plants to produce more attractive flowers, which entice pollinators to come and spread their spores to other plants. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Plagiorhynchus Worms and Puccinia Rusts Are Parasites That Share the Ability