[Science] [ScientificAmerican Group Of Articles] Zombie Creatures ... Incredible But True

[Asheekay]

We have been watching/reading zombie humans in fiction for quite some time, but is it really a figment of the mind? Facts clearly point to a much more intriguing fact ...zombie behavior is real!

Not that it starts developing cannibalistic, blood-thirsty creatures, but it does definitely make drastic changes in the behavior of normal creatures. Welcome to a world where spiders weave abnormal and bizarre webs before dying, crickets commits suicide by drowning, caterpillars stand guard on their controlling parasites' eggs, mice dont fear cats, and more!

Part-1 Of Article

Part-2 Of Article

An Interview About The Zombie Behavior

A Photo Slideshow Of Zombie Creatures

If, after reading and viewing all that, you still think that evolution occurred haphazardly and without a very smart plan, you're on your own.

[MrFancypants]

Zombies as argument in favour of intelligent design? Did not see that one coming.
At least it would mean that God has a sense of humor. Or that he likes trashy zombie flicks.

Seriously though, I don't think the theory of evolution is accurately described as haphazard development. Nor does it contradict the idea of design by a deity.

[Emperor Benedictine]

Originally Posted by Asheekay

If, after reading and viewing all that, you still think that evolution occurred haphazardly and without a very smart plan, you're on your own.

I take it that's just a figure of speech and you're aware that most biologists would disagree with your analysis completely...

[Asheekay]

I did not post the topic as a *proof* of evolution by planning. I am stating however, that the incredible level of understanding and manipulation of other creatures' behavior and working of brain and the environment very strongly hints to the idea that the parasite, although perhaps unaware of the reason and logic behind its zombifying parasitic action, could not have attained such fine-tuned skills with a random mutations jackpot. No sir, you have greater chance of getting the same number 10 times on a dice instead.

[Adrian Ţepeş]

Originally Posted by Asheekay

I am stating however, that the incredible level of understanding and manipulation of other creatures' behavior and working of brain and the environment very strongly hints to the idea that the parasite, although perhaps unaware of the reason and logic behind its zombifying parasitic action, could not have attained such fine-tuned skills with a random mutations jackpot.

How do you know?

[Einherjar Silberio]

I read about some bloody sea-parasite that... Eats a fish's tounge and "installs" itself on the missing tounge's place. Then, the fish controls the parasite as if it were its own tounge, or something similar.

Another kind of parasite that attacks usually small rodents "install" themselves on the rats brain and pretty much takes control of it.

And if we look at the most famous zombie kind (The aggressive, mindless one), I think one could categorize rabbies (sp?) as some kind of zombifying infection

[Asheekay]

Originally Posted by Adrian Ţepeş

How do you know?

Probability of getting the same number in a row ten times on a dice = one in 6 (power) 9

Number of different chemical compounds possible = *yawn*

Choosing the right creature to use that particular compound = another *yawn*

Choosing the right organ, and method of insertion = yet another *yawn*

So at one side we got 6 raised to power 9. And on other side we got 3 *yawns*

You do the math.

[Emperor Benedictine]

Why should he do the math if you can't be bothered to do it to support your own argument?

[Asheekay]

Haha. Nice point!

For a start, I know that there are more than 6 power 9 chemical compounds possible. Dont ask me to start writing them down individually now

The other two *yawns* could rest for a while.

[MrFancypants]

The problem with intelligent design mathematics is that it never takes into account the population size and time span over which evolution occurs.
Rolling 10 times the same number in a row is not very likely. But if you have billions of people rolling dice for billions of years it will happen often.