Mind-Controlling Cordyceps Turns Insects into Zombies

What type of organism is Cordyceps?

• Type of mushroom

• Virus

• Parasitic fungus

• Bacteria

How does a Cordyceps spore INITIALLY infect an ant?

Hint: What is the first step?

• It injects mind-bending drugs into the ant's brain.

• It releases proteins and enzymes to break down the ant's exoskeleton.

• It uses mechanical pressure to drill through the ant's muscle fibers.

• It creates a mycelial network within the ant's brain.

What did recent research reveal about how Cordyceps controls an ant's behavior, contrasting with the traditional view?

• The fungus directly controls the ant's brain using mind-bending drugs.

• The fungus manipulates the ant's behavior by forming a mycelial network around its brain.

• The fungus leaves the brain intact but controls the ant's limbs through a mycelial network, acting like a puppet master.

• The fungus completely replaces the ant's brain with its own fungal cells.

What is the final action of the infected ant before the Cordyceps fungus releases its spores?

• The ant returns to its colony to infect other ants.

• The ant climbs a plant and locks its jaws onto foliage.

• The ant buries itself underground to protect the fungus.

• The ant sheds its exoskeleton, allowing the fungus to grow.

What comes out of the fruiting body at the end?

• fungal spores

• viral bodies

• bacteria

• mind-altering chemicals