Amazon’s zombie fungus found hiding in moss far from infected ants

Researchers discovered the zombie-ant fungus may have a hidden life stage within mosses. This finding suggests a more complex relationship than previously understood by scientists. The fungus appears to live quietly inside plants before infecting ants for manipulation. This discovery indicates a multi-species ecological network involving plants and insects. The study reshapes how scientists view parasite evolution and survival in biodiverse systems.

By TOI SCIENCE DESK