INTRODUCTION
Parasites are the ultimate hackers. Just think of life on Earth as a collection of programs, with each individual species intent on carrying out a simple function: consume, reproduce, consume, reproduce.
Millions of organisms evolved to perform this routine more-or-less on their own. Parasites, however, figured out a shortcut. What if they could hack other organisms to help them carry out their own genetic mission of eating and breeding? Why develop an awesome mouth if you can just hijack some other organism's chompers?
The result is a nasty rogues' gallery of creatures, each honed by evolution to reprogram their hosts. Hold on to your lunch because a number of poor saps are about to bulge, bristle and throb with body-hacking parasitic invasions.
Count down 5 ways parasites hijack their hosts:
5. The Hitchhiking Parasite
If a parasite is just along for the ride, it will devise devious ways to make its way back home.
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4. I Wanna Be Your Tongue
If food is a primary goal, why not just take out your host's tongue and plant yourself in its place?
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3. Crab Hacking
Sailors don't have to worry about barnacles breaching the hull, crawling inside and taking control. Crabs unfortunately do.
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2. Suicide Worms
Those "voices" in your head compelling you to drown yourself? Could be molecules planted by Nematomorph hairworms.
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1. Parasite Protectors
What could be more devious than being used as a food source for a parasite's larvae? How about being programmed to protect the little ones after they hatch.
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