– Zombie infections in animals are called zombification. They occur when one organism controls another’s behavior, like certain fungi do to insects.
– Famous examples include the zombie ant fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which causes ants to climb plants and be taken over by the fungus. This inspired the video game and show The Last of Us.
– Another is the zombie cicada fungus Massospora cicadina, which keeps cicadas flying even as it consumes their bodies.
– While these fungi can drastically alter insect behavior, evolving to infect humans would take millions of years. The article examines whether fungi could realistically cause a zombie apocalypse.
– Some fungi do threaten humans, but won’t turn people into zombies. Invasive fungal diseases are rising, so protections like showering after exercise are recommended.
– Overall, a zombifying fungus capable of human infection is deemed very unlikely, and something that exists primarily in fiction rather than posing a real threat.
Source: Science Alert
