This page is for zombie queries and debates-

I'll start off one-

Here are two basic "facts" about zombies.

1) To kill a zombie the brain must be destroyed.
2) Zombies eat brains.

Marsden: As you can see, it is a direct contradiction in itself. If the virus wanted to spread it wouldn't kill the area it needs to dwell in in order to spread, e.g. the human would be dead before it would become zombified.

McSkullcracken: Hmm...good point. But it could simply be that the virus/infection(whatever it may be) leaves the brain in such a state of disrepair(notice the zombies are not talkative, nor do they seem to feel pain) that only the base instinct of hunting/eating is left.
Of course, a person could also question whether the zombie really seeks the brain of a human above other parts of the body. They could simply be trying to any part of what they see as the most plentiful supply of food in their surroundings.

TonyPro: Here you have brought up an interesting question--do zombies bite to infect or to kill? The obvious solution would be that they munch on a brain whenever they are hungry and infect people between meals. But this would mean that the virus could actively control the body it inhabits, which is nonsensical. If this is not the case, then eating brains must be instinctual to a zombie; just like a squirrel knows to eat nuts instead of fish. But why the brain? Evidently, there is something within the human brain that the zombie needs.

Z13: Technically, we know nothing about the zombies and the "thing" that infects them. It could be a man-made virus, be it airborne or transmitted via saliva. But what if the infection is bacterial or caused by unknown sources. What if Zombies don't crave brains, but just flesh in general? What if the zombie doesn't have to have the brain destroyed to stop functioning? What if a sudden shock to the spine could cut off all functions to all parts of the body?


The_Professional: I like the point you guys bring up, do zombies eat brain to recharge their own? Your explanation makes it seem plausible, in order for the zombie to thrive they must keep their only working part in order. But, what about the fact that zombies will consume the whole body was well? Perhaps its more than just the chemicals of the brain that the zombies require to function. There's lactic acid that allows for muscle strength and movement, which would keep the zombie from going into rigor. Also, protein from muscle and fats from the brain and other parts of the body allow the zombie to have energy.But then again there are more chemicals in the brain that are required for life and growth. One such chemical is ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) which stimulate the cortex of the adrenal gland which keeps the adrenal gland alive and thus may explain the hyper-active Runner types. Possibly over pumped on adrenaline.

Also, the thought that a shock to the spinal cord may cut off the zombies ability to function. This could in the same manner has removing the brain because the rest of the body loses connection from the brain. But such a shock would have to occur rather close to the skull. Since the thoracic spine and lumbar control sensation to the trunk and lower body, trauma to the cervical spine would be the best chance at disabling a zombie. If a zombie is dependent on these chemicals for survival, a paralyzed zombie would eventually "starve" or just begin to decay more rapidly. But the question is how long can a zombie go without such chemical stimulus before they drop dead all over again?

Renegade13: I think that a zed may try to eat the brain and kill the victim but the victim may get away with only a bite. Also how does a zed even bite through a skull?

Kuthiani: I put part of my "spacebourne parasite" theroy in the parasite section, but I have also developed a theory as to why the zombies would eat the brain. If an alien parasite infected the host, it would have to have a way of making the body move. The first way I can think of is by tapping the nervous system. What better place to take control than directly from the head? Perhaps this parasite needed to reproduce via the host zombie (How else would you take over the world?), so it removes the brain of its prey to make room for a new offspring parasite. Then the new zombie awakens when the parasite matures and continues the cycle. This is just a theory, so don't crucify me!

Andrew1602: The Virus/Bacterica kills the host. That much is known. Modern man is much more advanced than our barbarian cousins, but perhaps when the Virus kills the host it returns man to his primal stage. What I mean is, since the brain is constantly decaying, then perhaps man is 'going back in time'. The Zombie will eat flesh like the cavemen before us. The Brain will be technically dead, but electrical impulses will keep it active. It might be a way for the Virus to continue to live, by collecting the electrical impulses. The mouth will get the messages, but for only short amounts of time, only long enough to bite, not to chew. The destruction of the Brain will kill the zombie, not only because of there no real connection, but the electrical impulses will stop reporting to the Virus and the Virus will 'starve'. Just a theory.