Its targets are mice and cats, where the latter are their definite hosts. Infected mice become less careful and thus are more likely to be captured and eaten by cats. The cat eating an infected mouse becomes infected and thus the parasites can mate and reproduce.
We as humans, are sufficiently close to mice to become infected as intermediate hosts, but we are a dead end, as we usually don't end up as our cat's food.
OOOOOOOOOHHH MY GOD THAT MAKES SO MUCH FUCKING SENSE.
So all we gotta do is just make a Casino for Mice, then they won't need to feed themselves to cats. problem solved.
Evolution doesn't have intent. If a mutation doesn't have any significant negative pressure, it can be passed on. So while infecting a human is mostly a dead end, it is an active infection where they successfully reproduce.
Not really, as the reproduction, i.e. the sexual part of their cycle, happens only in cats. But I agree, it doesn't cause a strong negative pressure, as there are lots of spores being produced in the cats and 'enough' find their desired target.
There's no end game with people, there's just an end. We're not a suitable host, it's just an unlucky coincidence when they infect us. The creature doesn't ask us to consume it, but we sometimes do anyway, in spite of it.
The Toxoplasmosis in my body after it hatches from its dormant stage. (I've just consumed 200mg of weed and a shot of brandy, yit has no idea what it's in for.)
i thought i saw a mention that it makes rats not afraid of cats, easier to catch. humans might just have similar enough biochemistry to also be affected.
good news is cat ladies are fiesty.
Maybe thats why im so unhinged....
fuck.
It's either 9D chess from a parasite, or a side effect of the evolutionary proximity and evolved domestication between humans and cats.
There is something to be said for making humans more friendly to feral cats, and of course more-risk taking behavior equals more opportunities for the parasite to be transmitted.
I vote we make a survival horror movie involving Toxoplasmosis and a few other parasites hatching inside of RFK jr's body. Itll be like Osmosis jones, but Thrax is the main Character and scared for his fucking life.
I encourage you to check out the book Parasite Rex by Carl Zimmer if you’re interested in that kind of thing, it’s a very fascinating look at how many different parasites function within their hosts and environment, and how they evolved.
It wants to be in cats.
Humans like cuddling cats.
Community Rules
Rule 1: Be respectful and inclusive.
Treat others with respect, and maintain a positive atmosphere.
Rule 2: No harassment, hate speech, bigotry, or trolling.
Avoid any form of harassment, hate speech, bigotry, or offensive behavior.
Rule 3: Engage in constructive discussions.
Contribute to meaningful and constructive discussions that enhance scientific understanding.
Rule 4: No AI-generated answers.
Strictly prohibit the use of AI-generated answers. Providing answers generated by AI systems is not allowed and may result in a ban.
Rule 5: Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
Adhere to community guidelines and comply with instructions given by moderators.
Rule 6: Use appropriate language and tone.
Communicate using suitable language and maintain a professional and respectful tone.
Rule 7: Report violations.
Report any violations of the community rules to the moderators for appropriate action.
Rule 8: Foster a continuous learning environment.
Encourage a continuous learning environment where members can share knowledge and engage in scientific discussions.
Rule 9: Source required for answers.
Provide credible sources for answers. Failure to include a source may result in the removal of the answer to ensure information reliability.
By adhering to these rules, we create a welcoming and informative environment where science-related questions receive accurate and credible answers. Thank you for your cooperation in making the Ask Science community a valuable resource for scientific knowledge.
We retain the discretion to modify the rules as we deem necessary.