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Zombie Science: How Realistic Are the Undead?



Zombies: Everything You Need to Know




Zombies are one of the most popular and terrifying creatures in fiction and popular culture. But what are zombies exactly, and where do they come from? How many types of zombies are there, and how can you survive a zombie apocalypse? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, based on various sources and traditions.


What are zombies and where do they come from?




A zombie is a mythological undead corporeal revenant created through the reanimation of a corpse. Zombies are most commonly found in horror and fantasy genre works. The term comes from Haitian folklore, in which a zombie is a dead body reanimated through various methods, most commonly magical practices in religions like Vodou. However, zombies have also been influenced by other cultures and traditions, such as ancient Greek mythology, African religions, European folklore, and modern science fiction.




zombies




Zombies have been featured in many works of fiction and popular culture, such as novels, films, comics, video games, and TV shows. Some of the most famous examples are George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968) and its sequels, which established many of the modern zombie tropes; The Walking Dead (2010-present), a TV series based on a comic book series of the same name; World War Z (2013), a blockbuster film starring Brad Pitt; and Resident Evil (1996-present), a video game franchise that has spawned several films and spin-offs. Zombies are appealing to audiences because they represent various fears and anxieties of modern society, such as disease, death, violence, social collapse, loss of identity, and loss of control.


What are the different types of zombies?




There are many different types of zombies, depending on their origin, appearance, behavior, and abilities. Here are some of the most common ones:


  • Voodoo zombies: These are zombies created by a bokor or witch-doctor using herbs, shells, fish, animal parts, bones and other objects to create concoctions including zombie powders, which contain tetrodotoxin, a deadly neurotoxin found in pufferfish and some other marine species. These zombies are usually under the control of their creator and have no will or personality of their own.



  • Romero zombies: These are zombies inspired by George A. Romero's films. They are usually reanimated by a virus or radiation that affects the brain. They are slow-moving, mindless, flesh-eating creatures that can only be killed by destroying their brain or severing their spinal cord. They can also infect others by biting or scratching them.



  • Runners: These are zombies that are fast-moving and agile. They may be caused by a different strain of virus or mutation that enhances their physical abilities. They are more aggressive and dangerous than Romero zombies. Some examples of runners are the infected in 28 Days Later (2002) and World War Z (2013).



  • Infected: These are not technically zombies, but humans who have been infected by a pathogen that causes them to exhibit zombie-like symptoms. They may still be alive but have lost their rationality and humanity. They may also retain some intelligence or memory but be overwhelmed by rage or hunger. Some examples of infected are the zombies in I Am Legend (2007) and The Last of Us (2013).



  • Other types: There are also other types of zombies that have unique characteristics or origins, such as zombies created by magic, nanotechnology, aliens, parasites, etc. Some examples are the zombies in The Evil Dead (1981), Dead Space (2008), and The Girl with All the Gifts (2016).



The following table summarizes some of the differences between the main types of zombies:


Type


Origin


Appearance


Behavior


Weakness


Voodoo zombies


Magic


Normal human


Slaves to their master


Breaking the spell or killing the master


Romero zombies


Virus or radiation


Decaying corpse


Slow, mindless, flesh-eating


Destroying the brain or severing the spinal cord


Runners


Virus or mutation


Bloody or diseased human


Fast, aggressive, flesh-eating


Destroying the brain or severing the spinal cord


Infected


Pathogen


Alive but deformed human


Rageful, hungry, or intelligent


Killing them like normal humans or curing them if possible


Other types


Magic, nanotechnology, aliens, parasites, etc.


Varies depending on the type


Varies depending on the type


Varies depending on the type


How to survive a zombie apocalypse?




A zombie apocalypse is a hypothetical scenario in which a widespread outbreak of zombies causes the collapse of civilization and threatens the survival of humanity. While this may seem unlikely or impossible, some experts and organizations have provided some tips and advice on how to prepare for and survive such a situation. Here are some of them:



  • Pack a survival kit. You should have a backpack or a bag that contains some essential items that can help you survive in different situations. Some of these items are: water, food, first aid kit, flashlight, radio, knife, matches, map, compass, whistle, etc. You should also have some personal items such as medication, identification, cash, etc. You should keep your survival kit in a safe and accessible place and update it regularly.



  • Find a safe place. You should avoid crowded and urban areas where zombies are likely to be more numerous and dangerous. You should look for a place that is isolated, secure, and has access to resources such as water, food, and electricity. Some examples are: rural farms, military bases, prisons, islands, etc. You should also have a backup plan in case your place is compromised or overrun by zombies.



  • Use effective weapons. You should have some weapons that can help you defend yourself and kill zombies if necessary. You should choose weapons that are easy to use, reliable, and durable. Some examples are: guns, crossbows, axes, machetes, etc. You should also have some improvised weapons that you can make from everyday objects such as pipes, bats, knives, etc. You should avoid weapons that are loud, heavy, or require ammunition or maintenance.



  • Learn useful skills. You should have some skills that can help you survive in different situations and environments. Some of these skills are: hunting, fishing, cooking, gardening, carpentry, medicine, mechanics, etc. You should also learn how to fight and use weapons effectively. You should practice these skills regularly and teach them to others if possible.



  • Work with others. You should not try to survive alone in a zombie apocalypse. You should find or form a group of people who share your values and goals and who can help you in various ways. You should cooperate with your group members and assign roles and responsibilities according to your skills and abilities. You should also communicate with other groups and establish alliances or trade agreements if beneficial.



Conclusion: Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse?




Zombies are fascinating creatures that have been featured in many works of fiction and popular culture. They are usually depicted as reanimated corpses that crave human flesh and have no free will or rational ity. There are many different types of zombies, depending on their origin, appearance, behavior, and abilities. Some of the most common ones are voodoo zombies, Romero zombies, runners, infected, and other types. A zombie apocalypse is a hypothetical scenario in which a widespread outbreak of zombies causes the collapse of civilization and threatens the survival of humanity. To survive a zombie apocalypse, you should pack a survival kit, find a safe place, use effective weapons, learn useful skills, and work with others. Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse? If not, you should start preparing now, because you never know when it might happen.


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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Zombies




Here are some of the questions that you might have after reading this article, and their answers:



  • What is the difference between a zombie and a vampire?



A zombie and a vampire are both undead creatures that feed on human blood or flesh. However, there are some differences between them. A zombie is usually reanimated by a virus or magic, while a vampire is usually transformed by a bite or curse. A zombie is usually mindless and decaying, while a vampire is usually intelligent and immortal. A zombie can be killed by destroying its brain or severing its spinal cord, while a vampire can be killed by sunlight, stake, garlic, or holy water.


  • Are zombies real?



Zombies are not real in the sense that there are no reanimated corpses that crave human flesh and have no free will or rationality. However, there are some real-life phenomena that resemble zombies or have inspired zombie stories. For example, there are some diseases or parasites that can affect the brain and cause zombie-like symptoms, such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, sleeping sickness, etc. There are also some cases of people who have been reported to be zombies in Haiti or Africa due to cultural beliefs or practices.


  • What is the best zombie movie or TV show?



This is a matter of personal preference and taste, but some of the most popular and acclaimed zombie movies or TV shows are: Night of the Living Dead (1968) and its sequels; Dawn of the Dead (1978) and its remake (2004); 28 Days Later (2002) and its sequel (2007); Shaun of the Dead (2004); Zombieland (2009) and its sequel (2019); The Walking Dead (2010-present); Train to Busan (2016); and Army of the Dead (2021).


  • What is the best way to kill a zombie?



The best way to kill a zombie depends on the type of zombie you are facing. However, in general, the most effective way to kill a zombie is to destroy its brain or sever its spinal cord. This can be done by using weapons such as guns, crossbows, axes, machetes, etc. You should also aim for the head and avoid getting bitten or scratched by zombies.


  • How can I become a zombie?



You cannot become a zombie in real life, unless you are referring to being infected by a disease or parasite that causes zombie-like symptoms. However, if you want to pretend to be a zombie for fun or entertainment purposes, you can do so by wearing makeup, costumes, and props that make you look like a zombie. You can also act like a zombie by moaning, groaning, shuffling, and pretending to eat human flesh.


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