Slashdot Mirror
Zombie Ants and Killer Fungus
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."
I wonder if the zombie ants have a higher chance of infecting others if the leaves they cling to are the leaves of GRAAAAIIIIIINNNNSSS?
I am scientifically inaccurate.
M. Night Shiamalan will probably make a stupid movie about this.
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.
BBC Planet Earth shows the cordyceps fungus attacking some Bullet Ants in South America. It is incredible camera work showing the ant being forced to climb, and later a time lapse of the fruit body erupting from the ant's body. It is short but very well filmed, as is the case for the entire series.
HIGHLY recommend watching this if you have any interest in nature.
The cordyceps section is around 28 minutes into the "Jungle" episode. You won't be dissapointed.
Actually I searched youtube and found an excert of this episide including the cordyceps on the ants. The cordyceps part starts about 4 minutes into this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qabQZQQrGk
I still recommend getting the blue-ray or at least dvd of this series, can't say enough good things about it in general.
It's easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.
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