From Childhood Illusions to Real-Life Zombies

One of the greatest myths of childhood is the belief that when we grow up, we'll finally be in charge of our own lives. However, reaching adulthood only grants us the freedom to choose our bedtime and dinner preferences, while the idea of being masters of our own destinies remains an illusion. Whether it's abiding by government regulations, following the rules set by our employers, or even appeasing our partners, we are constantly confronted with obligations we may not want to fulfill.

Nevertheless, we cling to the notion of autonomy, the belief that our decisions are solely ours to make. But the reality is far from certain, as philosophers and thinkers have been debating the existence of free will for centuries. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of control and delve into the intriguing world of real-life zombies, both in the natural world and through the fascinating behavior of fungi.

To believe that we have no control over our futures is to accept the notion that our paths have already been predetermined, reducing us to mere NPCs rather than active players in life. This bleak outlook resembles zombies, and if you doubt their existence, just visit a crowded furniture store on a Saturday afternoon and observe the aimless faces of people, nodding and smiling without true engagement. They follow the arrows of their shopping lists as if compelled by an unseen force. While not brain-eating zombies, they illustrate how external influences can turn individuals into mindless beings.

Beyond the realm of furniture stores, the natural world offers numerous examples of real-life zombies. Take, for instance, the unfortunate Plesiometa argyra spider, which unwittingly becomes a caretaker for the larvae of a parasitic wasp. Paralyzed and used as a host, the spider undergoes a sinister transformation as the wasp's larvae grow inside its body, feeding on its fluids. After two weeks, a mysterious change occurs, compelling the spider to abandon its regular web-weaving duties and construct a unique platform. This construction marks its final act before being devoured alive by the hungry larvae.

Another example of a real-life zombie is the woodlouse, commonly known as the pill bug, which has a peculiar attraction to bird droppings. However, this affinity proves fatal when the woodlouse ingests a parasite carried by starlings. Once inside the woodlouse, the parasite takes control, forcing it to seek an exposed location. The bug's vulnerability and enticing dance attract starlings, resulting in the woodlouse's demise and the parasite's return to the bird's gut.

Perhaps the most horrifying examples of real-life zombies can be found among fungi. Fungi, a distinct kingdom in the natural world, includes various types with entomopathogenic characteristics that infect and often kill insects. Beauveria bassiana, a fatal fungus, infects insects by penetrating their exoskeletons and growing inside, ultimately leading to their demise. Yet, this fungus doesn't stop there—it colonizes the corpse, covering it with spores that spread in search of new victims. In fact, Beauveria bassiana is used as a biological insecticide to control pests like termites, aphids, and beetles.

Cordyceps, another group of fungi, takes the concept of control to a whole new level. These "zombie fungi" release chemicals into the brains of their hosts, manipulating their bodies and turning them into automatons. Cordyceps species target specific insects, ranging from butterflies and dragonflies to cockroaches and ants. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, one of the most famous cordyceps fungi, infects ants, controlling their behavior and leading them to climb high into trees before biting down on a leaf. From there, the fungus blooms, releasing spores that rain down on the forest floor, perpetuating the cycle of infection.

Fungi's adaptability and ability to infect each other contribute to their success as manipulative organisms. Some cordyceps species engage in hyperparasitism, infecting other cordyceps fungi. These highly adaptable organisms colonize hosts far larger than themselves, taking over their minds and compelling them to engage in self-destruction. However, despite these alarming examples, there's no need to fear that humans could be infected by a fungus and transformed into zombies like those from "The Last of Us." In fact, these fascinating fungi may hold potential for beneficial uses in various applications.

Exploring the concept of control and real-life zombies reveals the intricate relationships and manipulations occurring in the natural world. While the illusion of complete autonomy may be shattered, understanding these phenomena enriches our understanding of the complexity and diversity of life on Earth. From spiders being exploited by parasitic wasps to woodlice succumbing to fatal parasites and the mind-controlling abilities of fungi, nature's power to shape and influence living beings is both fascinating and at times terrifying.