The BBC have YouTubed a short video from Sir David Attenborough and the Planet Earth TV program that showcases the rather horrid Cordyceps fungi.
Cordyceps fungi prays on live insects and takes control of their body and mind. The video shows one strain of the Cordyceps fungus as it takes over the body and thoughts of an ant, driving the ant up to a lofty position on a plant – a tactical choice – before slowly errupting from the ant’s head.
As the video says fungi like Cordyceps help to keep the balance in nature; stopping one insect from becoming too dominant in the forest.
In Pure Spirit
Any thoughts? Is this something out of science fiction or does it seem entirely natural to you? Can you imagine something evolving to prey on human bodies in this way?
ÿþT