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In Dead Space, the zombies created by Markers are called Necromorphs. Supposedly, the Marker manipulates cells to turn them into monsters. However, this results in the Necromorphs having long limbs and even claws.
The question is, if Necromorphs are just mutated dead cells, how do they grow an extra pair of longer limbs and extra features, instead of just looking like normal dead people lumbering around?
See Log:Re-Animate
Dr. Heidi Latchford Research Summary Organic Material analysis: There are several shocking finds relating to the sludge-like material found throughout the Ishimura. First it is human DNA. Second, and far more disturbing, it re-animates in the presence of a Marker signal. The only conclusion we can come to is that the entire Ishimura crew was infected and "reconstructed", and then fell into a soupy DNA-sludge when the Aegis VII Marker was destroyed.
This sort of sludge is a lot of mutations away from humans. They have a lot of freedom in how they reconstruct humans. I wouldn't assume there's an easy natural evolution path to necromorphs, they're an advanced biotech creation.
There are different types of mutation on necromorphs. The most common kind, the Slasher uses flesh and bones from the victim's hands and stomach. You can see the original hands of the victim near it's stomach region. Some of them, notably Pukers, has a leg made solely out of intestines and flesh, where the other two legs are fused together. The leaper's tail is also another example of excessive mutation.
