Distinguishing between zombies and humans, in general, is difficult due to many overlapping similarities in their characteristics. Both zombies and humans have a purpose that initially defines their existence. Both seek vegetative needs for survival and naturally crave reproduction, two behaviors that can lead to difficulty distinguishing between the two. As depicted in World War Z, the parasitic virus that controls the human corpse wants to survive at all costs. In World War Z Dr. Kwang states, “The boy began to turn in my direction, his arm ripped completely free” (Brooks 67). The zombie, as mentioned by the doctor, was more concerned with surviving and multiplying than with preserving the corpse it possessed. He could not rationally realize that, in his situation, it would have been more practical to avoid amputating his arm; instead, he was motivated solely by hunger and acted accordingly. Likewise, humans also possess a human body and reproduce, although not in the same way. Furthermore, humans also seek vegetative needs such as hunger, but are not purely and blindly motivated by such need. Therefore, the definition and distinction between zombies and humans can be achieved through subtle differences between the two, and this analysis reveals some aspects of human nature. Technically speaking, zombies are reanimated corpses of former humans that require living flesh for sustenance. They are essentially dead except for the brain and as a result do not maintain normal biological processes. In addition to being different from humans, zombies are different from animals because animals experience emotions to some extent, such as fear, aggression, and confusion, and zombies clearly do not. They simply have an...uncontrollable paper medium...consumed by the corpses it consumes. R states: “I eat my brain and for about thirty seconds I have memories. Flashes of processions, perfumes, music. . . life. (Marione 25). As mentioned in the previous quote, R does not eat brains because of his impulses, but because of the knowledge it gives him. The zombies depicted in World War Z pursue lower-order needs, which in this case are to spread the virus from one human to another. These differences observed between the two groups of zombies help to distinguish them and therefore; in my opinion, these higher order and lower order needs found between humans and zombies help achieve this goal. Works Cited Brooks, Max. “World War Z.” Monsters. Ed. Brandy Blake and L. Andrew Cooper. Southlake, Texas: Fountainhead Press, 2012. 63-75. Print.Marion, Isaac. Warm bodies. New York: Atria and Emily Bestler Books, 2011. Print.