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Zombie Ants and Killer Fungus

Posted by samzenpus on from the level-1-random-encounter dept.

nibbles2004 writes "An article in the Guardian newspaper shows how parasitic fungi evolved the ability to control ants they infect, ultimately leading the ant to its death. The fungus controls the ant's movements to a suitable leaf and causes the ant to grip onto the leaf's central stem, allowing the fungus to spore, which will allow more ants to become infected."

2 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. Bad summary by cytoman · · Score: 5, Informative

    The article actually explains that this behavior of the fungus controlling the ant has been ongoing for 48 million years. The slashdot summary does not even mention this as the key point.

  2. Nope, that's toxoplasmosis by garyisabusyguy · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis#Behavioral_changes

    A parasite found inthe urinary tracts of felines that infects about half the human population

    It makes rats lose their fear of cat urine, and has been linked to schizophrenia in humans

    --
    Wherever You Go, There You Are