describe 2 major differences between the normal canopy trail ants and the zombie ants

1. Behavioral differences: One of the major differences between normal canopy trail ants and zombie ants is their behavior. Normal canopy trail ants follow pheromone trails to carry out tasks beneficial for their colony, such as foraging for food, defending their nest, or caring for their young. They exhibit organized social behavior and their activities are directed towards the well-being of their colony.

Zombie ants, on the other hand, exhibit abnormal behavior as a result of being infected by a parasitic fungus, such as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. Once infected, an ant's behavior is manipulated by the fungus—it leaves its normal habitat in the canopy and descends to a lower, more humid microclimate suitable for fungal growth. In the final stages of manipulation, the ant is compelled to bite onto the main vein on the underside of a leaf (known as a "death grip") before it dies. This holds the ant in place, allowing the fungus to grow and eventually release spores from the ant's body to infect new ants.

2. Biological differences: Normal canopy trail ants are healthy individuals acting in the interest of their colony. Their bodies do not host a parasitic organism that significantly alters their physiology.

Zombie ants are physically altered by the parasitic fungus. After infection, the fungus invades the ant's body and replaces its tissue, effectively consuming it from the inside out while leaving the vital organs intact until it is ready to reproduce. This biological change is not only detrimental to the ant’s health but ultimately causes its death when the fungus sporulates, which is part of the fungus's life cycle.