Why Do Zombies Click? Unraveling the Mystery of Undead Echolocation
The short answer: zombies click because they are blind and use echolocation to navigate and hunt. This is particularly true for a specific type of zombie, popularized by The Last of Us franchise, known as Clickers. These creatures have suffered advanced fungal infections that have completely overtaken their faces, rendering them sightless. The clicking sounds are a biological adaptation, a crude form of sonar, allowing them to perceive their surroundings and track potential prey. Let’s delve deeper into the science (and science fiction) behind this unsettling phenomenon.
The Science (Fiction) of Zombie Echolocation
The concept of zombies utilizing echolocation taps into a fascinating blend of real-world biology and creative imagination. While traditional zombie lore often focuses on visual or olfactory senses, the Clicker’s echolocation adds a unique dimension to their predatory behavior.
Cordyceps and its Devious Adaptation
In the world of The Last of Us, the culprit behind zombification is a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus. In reality, Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that parasitizes insects, manipulating their behavior for its own reproductive benefit. The game’s version extends this parasitic control to humans, with horrifying consequences.
As the Cordyceps infection progresses in a human host, it infiltrates the brain, hijacking motor functions and driving the infected towards certain behaviors. In the case of Clickers, the fungus aggressively colonizes the head, forming hardened fungal plates that obstruct vision. This blindness isn’t a bug; it’s a feature.
The Birth of the Click
To compensate for the loss of sight, the fungus subtly rewires the infected’s auditory system. The infected begins to emit a series of rapid, high-pitched clicks. These clicks bounce off objects in the environment, and the Clicker interprets the returning echoes to create a “sound map” of its surroundings. This is the essence of echolocation.
The fungal plates on the Clicker’s head also play a crucial role in focusing and amplifying the returning echoes, enhancing their echolocation abilities. The resulting sound is both terrifying and effective, making Clickers formidable adversaries.
Clickers in The Last of Us: More Than Just a Scary Sound
The Clicker’s echolocation isn’t just a cool sound design choice; it’s integral to their gameplay and narrative significance within The Last of Us.
Stealth and Strategy
The presence of Clickers forces players to adopt stealthy tactics. Loud noises attract their attention, turning them into relentless pursuers. Players must carefully manage their movements and use distractions to navigate Clicker-infested areas.
A Symbol of Infection’s Progression
Clickers represent an advanced stage of the Cordyceps infection, showcasing the horrifying extent to which the fungus can transform a human being. They are a stark reminder of the irreversible damage and the loss of humanity.
Gameplay Diversity
Clickers offer a unique combat challenge. Their echolocation gives them heightened awareness, but their blindness also presents opportunities for exploitation. Players can use sound to lure them into traps or create diversions.
Dispelling Myths About Zombie Senses
While Clickers rely on echolocation, other zombie variations, as depicted in various media, may utilize different senses to hunt. Let’s address some common misconceptions.
Do All Zombies Use Echolocation?
No. Echolocation is specific to certain types of zombies, particularly Clickers. Most zombie depictions focus on sight, smell, and sound as primary hunting senses.
Are Zombies Attracted to Light?
Typically, no. Most zombies are attracted to movement and loud noises, not light.
Do Zombies Have a Sense of Smell?
Many zombie portrayals suggest that zombies possess a strong sense of smell, allowing them to detect living humans from a distance.
Can Zombies Feel Pain?
Generally, zombies are depicted as being impervious to pain. This makes them difficult to stop with conventional methods.
Zombie Echolocation in Other Media
While The Last of Us has popularized the concept of zombie echolocation, it’s not entirely unique. Other media have explored similar ideas, albeit often in less detail.
Evolution of Zombie Sensory Perception
The evolution of zombie sensory perception in fiction reflects a desire to create more challenging and terrifying antagonists. Echolocation adds a layer of complexity to their hunting behavior, making them more unpredictable and dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zombie Clicking
Here are some common questions related to zombie clicking and the broader zombie phenomenon.
1. Why do clicker zombies click?
As highlighted before, Clickers click as a form of echolocation. The fungal infection has blinded them, so they use sound to “see.”
2. Do zombies feel pain?
No, zombies generally do not feel pain. This is because their nervous systems are severely compromised by the infection.
3. Are clickers stronger than humans?
Yes, Clickers are typically stronger than humans. The Cordyceps fungus grants them enhanced strength and durability.
4. How do clickers become clickers?
Clickers are people who have been infected with the Cordyceps fungus for at least a year. The fungus spreads throughout their bodies, blinding them and forcing them to use echolocation.
5. How do zombies identify humans?
Most zombies identify humans through a combination of sight, sound, and smell. Clickers primarily rely on echolocation.
6. Do zombies need oxygen?
This varies depending on the specific zombie lore. Some depictions suggest that zombies require oxygen, while others portray them as being able to function without it.
7. What kills clickers?
Clickers can be killed by destroying their brain, which is often protected by thick fungal plates. Fire is also effective.
8. Can bloaters see you?
No, Bloaters also rely on echolocation to locate and attack survivors.
9. Why do zombies smell bad?
Zombies smell bad due to the decomposition of their flesh. Bacteria breaking down the corpse release foul-smelling compounds.
10. Why do zombies not talk?
Zombies typically do not talk because their brain function is severely limited. They lack the cognitive abilities required for complex thought and communication.
11. What is a zombie’s weakness?
The brain is the primary weakness of most zombies. Destroying the brain is the most effective way to kill them.
12. Do zombies have an age?
Zombies technically don’t age in the traditional sense, as they are already dead. However, their bodies continue to decompose over time.
13. Why do zombies not eat each other?
Zombies are typically depicted as only being interested in consuming living flesh. They do not prey on other zombies.
14. Do zombies have genders?
Zombies retain their biological sex, but they have no sense of gender identity or consciousness.
15. Can Cordyceps infect humans in real life?
Currently, Cordyceps poses little threat to humans. While some species can infect insects, they are not adapted to infect mammals. This information might be beneficial for individuals interested in understanding the science behind gaming, which is why the Games Learning Society is such an important tool. Consider visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website for more information.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Undead
The zombie phenomenon continues to captivate audiences, offering a chilling exploration of societal breakdown, human resilience, and the horrors of biological warfare. The Clicker, with its unsettling echolocation, adds a unique layer of terror to the zombie mythos, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable horror, adaptation and survival instincts can persist.