Zombifying
Four new species of zombifying ant fungus have been discovered in the Brazilian rain forest. [Wired Science via @DanielleVenton RT @BoraZ]
"These fungi control ant behavior with mind-altering chemicals, then kill them."
"Of the four new species, two grow long, arrow-like spores which eject like missiles from the fungus, seeking to land on a passing ant. The other fungi propel shorter spores, which change shape in mid-air to become like boomerangs and land nearby. If these fail to land on an ant, the spores sprout stalks that can snag ants walking over them."
"Chemicals from this global group of fungi, known as Cordyceps, have been a part of traditional medicine for thousands years, and part of Western medicine for the last 50."
"The fungi help the forest by keeping ant populations in check."
"As global temperature changes, the forests where they live are drying."
Fascinating article.
"These fungi control ant behavior with mind-altering chemicals, then kill them."
"Of the four new species, two grow long, arrow-like spores which eject like missiles from the fungus, seeking to land on a passing ant. The other fungi propel shorter spores, which change shape in mid-air to become like boomerangs and land nearby. If these fail to land on an ant, the spores sprout stalks that can snag ants walking over them."
"Chemicals from this global group of fungi, known as Cordyceps, have been a part of traditional medicine for thousands years, and part of Western medicine for the last 50."
"The fungi help the forest by keeping ant populations in check."
"As global temperature changes, the forests where they live are drying."
Fascinating article.
Labels: ants, BoraZ, DanielleVenton, fungus, global climate change, Wired Science, zombie
posted by Russ Williams at
9:41 PM
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