Zombie Ants

What is a primary role of fungi and slime molds on the forest floor?

• Producing oxygen

• Decomposing dead matter

• Providing shelter for insects

• Creating new soil

Approximately how many spores can fungi release per second?

• Up to 300

• Up to 3,000

• Up to 30,000

• Up to 300,000

What is the first effect of the Cordyceps fungus on an ant after infection?

• It causes the ant to build a new nest.

• It infiltrates the ant's muscles and floods its brain with chemicals.

• It makes the ant seek out other infected ants.

• It causes the ant to shed its exoskeleton.

What is the final action the Cordyceps fungus compels the ant to perform before its death?

• To return to its colony and infect others.

• To climb to a high point and bite down.

• To bury itself in the soil.

• To find a new food source for the fungus.

Besides ants, what other types of creatures are shown to be victims of Cordyceps fungi?

• Spiders, butterflies, and worms

• Wasps, beetles, and caterpillars

• Flies, grasshoppers, and snails

• Mice, birds, and lizards