Zombie worms, also known as Osedax, are unique marine worms belonging to the family Siboglinidae. These worms have the ability to drill and bore into the calcium carbonate skeletons of dead or dying whales and other deep-sea invertebrates, eventually leaving only a lacework of delicate bones.

Scientists have discovered that these polychaete tube worms use a specialized structure called a dental plate to excavate cavities within the whale bones. The dental plate consists of hard material made up of hydroxyapatite, which is similar in composition to human teeth.

The drilling process begins with the juvenile worm attaching to the bone surface. As the worm grows larger, it begins to secrete acidic fluids, including hydrochloric acid, which help break down the carbonate material of the bone. The dental plate, which is composed of a chitinous base and the mineral hydroxyapatite, is used to scrape and bore into the softened bone.

The worm's body is protected within the tube it constructs, and its roots, composed of rootlets, penetrate deep into the bone, absorbing essential nutrients, including lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, from the organic remains within.

It's important to note that zombie worms do not parasitize living whales or marine life. Instead, they play a crucial role in the deep-sea ecosystem, contributing to the decomposition and recycling of whale remains, allowing for the release of energy and nutrients back into the marine food web.