Today I’m interested in the concepts of symbiots and genetic hijacking. I think few things are scarier than the idea that a parasite can reprogram your body to suit its needs.

Take for example the nematode discovered in early 2008 that transforms its ant host’s abdomine into a ripe red berry. (Science Daily)

In terms of evolutionary science I was reminded today of  siphonophores by Pink Tentacle (I’m currently on a tentacle roll). siphonophores are colonial organisms that function as one single lifeform through a complex interdependence. Each individual animal functions much like an organ would in other lifeforms. The symbiotic relationship is so strong that often times the individual “parts” can’t function away from the colony. They are similar to other colonial organisms like porpitids. The Man o’ War is actually a siphonophore.

I like to imagine a far-future animal hybrid composed of a highly specialized version of my home. This colony, made of what were once foxes, cats, and humans, the mass wanders freely around New York City with the cats as advanced scent organs, the foxes as the super-efficient digestive system and the humans as a support structure. Teeth, claws, limited speech… all interwoven.

These creatures make you marvel at the natural world and speculate on what is to come.