Zombies Are Real!

2. PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

"Every parasite has its own method, but the process usually involves altering chemicals within the victim's brain... they end up so bizarrely altering their host's behavior." (Paragraph 5)

3. How does paragraph 3 contribute to the development of ideas in the text?

It emphasizes how many different types of organisms can be turned into zombies by parasites.

1. PART A: Which statement best expresses the central idea of the text?

Parasites can control the actions of their hosts by altering the chemistry of their brains, forcing them to help the parasites and their young survive.

4. Which statement best describes the relationship between parasites' use of mind control and their survival?

Parasites control other organisms to provide them with the ideal circumstances to survive and reproduce.

How can studying the actions of mind-controlling parasites help scientists better understand the human brain?

Studying the actions of mind-controlling parasites can help scientists learn more about the connection between peoples' brains and their behavior. In paragraph 34, it says, "Ant brains may be much simpler than human brains, but the chemistry going on inside them isn't all that different. Figuring out the secrets of zombie mind control in bugs could help neuroscientists understand more about the links between the brain and behavior in people. Eventually, this work could lead to new medicines or therapies for human brains." Since the "zombie's" brains are similar to ours before being infected, similar processes could be used on the human brain, allowing us to completely rethink the way we look at it.