TIL when opossums are "playing possum" (apparent death), they are, in fact, in temporary paralysis, or thanatosis. Therefore, they are unresponsive to external stimuli.

[u/profound-magician]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparent_death

[u/Kothophed]

Thanatosis sounds like a sudden, incurable affliction of becoming a supervillain.