What is a zombie? The question of what is a zombie is simple enough, and the simple answer is: a human that has died for a period of time and re-animated with a reconfigured central nervous system and without a beating heart. Unfortunately, in todays world what is commonly accepted as a zombie is not necessarily a true zombie. Here, we will define the different types of zombies, both real and fictional: Zombie Description: This is the only type of true zombie that is known to exist and the majority of what we will focus on. If we refer to zombies, we mean the classical zombie. Classical zombies undergo a biological change, such as infection, as living humans. They then die, usually from the high fever associated with infection. After death, the body metamorphosizes into a zombie and the corpse re-animates. The zombie has a basal desire to consume human flesh. In the media they often retain basic memories and behaviors from their former lives, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. How to kill: Destroy the brain Examples in media: Zombie Survival Guide, Night of the Living Dead, Shaun of the Dead Fast zombie Description: Recently popular in many zombie films, running zombies are the same as regular zombies. Except they run. This makes it much easier for directors to create energy in their film, but this theatrical crutch does not reflect the biology of a zombie. As we describe in great detail elsewhere on this site, the zombie metamorphosis induces many biological changes that make running impossible. How to kill: Destroy the brain Examples in media: Dawn of the Dead (2004) Super zombie: Description: Super zombies take the running zombie one step further into fantasy land. Rather than just retaining their ability to run, super zombies actually gain new physical powers such as superhuman strength, new limbs, or the ability to jump around like Spider Man. As any scientist will tell you, there are no examples of these types of undead in nature or the laboratory. Super zombies are therefore best grouped with other supernatural beasts such as centaur and leprechauns. How to kill: Destroy the brain or kill with fire Examples in media: Resident Evil, Return of the Living Dead, Evil Dead Infected Description: We had a long discussion about whether to include infected in our list of zombie types, but ultimately decided they warrant a mention. Infected behave very similarly to the running zombie, but are in fact still alive. Although their mind is biologically altered, usually by a viral infection, they never undergo the process of death and reanimation. They usually do not crave the taste of human flesh, but their altered mind is incapable of rational thought and is often quite violent. How to kill: Any way you would kill a human Examples in media: 28 Days Later
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 20:44:32 +0000
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