TED: Zombie roaches and other parasite tales | Ed Yong

The video explores the fascinating world of parasitic manipulation in animals, challenging the assumption that animals are always in control of their actions. It highlights examples like the tapeworm in Artemia shrimp and the Gordian worm in crickets, showing how parasites can control their hosts to complete their life cycles. The video also discusses the potential influence of Toxoplasma gondii on mammals, including humans, and compares this to human attempts at manipulation. The overarching theme is the surprising and often sinister role parasites play in the natural world.

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