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Question #46492
The Question
In the context of vector-borne disease dynamics, the 'parasite manipulation hypothesis' suggests that Plasmodium actively alters the foraging behavior of the female Anopheles mosquito, thereby invalidating standard mark-release-recapture population estimates. Which of the following accurately identifies the infective stage involved and the physiological mechanism driving this ecological shift?
Options
- A.
Sporozoites in the salivary glands impair the vector's anti-hemostatic proteins, leading to increased probing and biting frequency across a wider foraging range.
- B.
Merozoites in the salivary glands stimulate aequorin expression, causing the mosquito to take larger, single blood meals to sustain parasite replication.
- C.
Gametocytes in the mosquito's midgut alter its olfactory receptors, restricting its foraging range to areas with high human population density.
- D.
Macrogametes in the hemocoel suppress the mosquito's flight muscles, reducing its foraging range and artificially lowering population density estimates.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Plasmodium|Optimal Foraging Theory|Population Density Estimation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The 'Conceptual Pivot' requires synthesizing the NCERT fact (sporozoites reside in salivary glands) with behavioral ecology (Optimal Foraging Theory).
Students often memorize the Plasmodium life cycle stages but fail to recognize the active physiological manipulation by the parasite.
The primary trap (Option B) relies on a classic NEET location/stage confusion, swapping 'Sporozoites' with 'Merozoites', while Options C and D misplace the anatomical locations of sexual stages.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Life Cycle of Plasmodium |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |