Zombie-ant fungus

Zombie-ant fungus is a parasitic organism, primarily from the genus *Ophiocordyceps*, that infects ants. The fungus takes control of the ant’s nervous system, compelling it to leave its colony and climb vegetation. Once in an optimal position, the fungus kills the ant and sprouts a stalk from the ant’s body, releasing spores to infect more ants. This behavior ensures the fungus can spread effectively. The process exemplifies a remarkable example of parasitic manipulation, where the fungus influences the host’s actions to benefit its reproductive cycle, impacting ant populations and ecological dynamics.