What did algernon have to do in order to get his food in the flowers of algernon book?

In "Flowers for Algernon," Algernon, the laboratory mouse, had to navigate a complex maze to receive his food reward. The maze was designed to test his intelligence, and he had to solve it quickly to access the food. Algernon's ability to learn and adapt to the maze improved significantly after undergoing the same experimental surgery that later affects the protagonist, Charlie Gordon. This challenge illustrates the themes of intelligence and the consequences of scientific experimentation throughout the story.