![]() ![]() Scientists call this an evolutionary arms race. Over time, the animals adapt to each other–cranking out stronger and stronger venom or higher and higher resistance to survive. They’re more likely to pass their genes on to their babies, too. With all those resistant squirrels running around, snakes with stronger venom will probably catch more meals and live longer. Then, they can pass on their resistance through their genes to their babies. Those squirrels are more likely to survive. The venom key doesn’t fit as well into their locks. Some squirrels can handle venom better than others. Some rattlesnakes have stronger venom than others. Perry told me that rattlesnakes use venom to catch tasty ground squirrels. Sometimes snakes who bite themselves do get sick and even die. Sometimes an animal’s immune system or special anti-venom proteins protect them, too.īut the system doesn’t work perfectly. So, even if they accidentally bite or sting themselves, the venom doesn’t cause a reaction. It’s like a key fitting into a lock.Īnimals that make venom have evolved so their own venom “key” doesn’t fit into their locks. Perry told me the way venom works is very specific. That means a toxin made by an animal isn’t likely to hurt them. So, you’re not going to release venom into the body where it could be harmful.”Īnother way they protect themselves is resistance. That injects venom into the prey through a channel in their fang,” Perry said. “When a venomous snake bites, muscles on the outside of the venom gland squeeze it. First, they make and store it in special pouches. Venom is injected through a bite or sting.Īnimals protect themselves from their own venom in a few ways. Poison is eaten, breathed in or absorbed through the skin. But they get into your body in different ways. They’re both toxic mixes of mostly proteins. Perry told me the difference between poison and venom. He’s a biologist at Washington State University. I talked about your question with my friend Blair Perry. Even the platypus and one very spicy primate called the slow loris use venom. It helps them catch prey and defend themselves. Universe: If an animal has poison inside them, how are they not affected by their own poison? – Jad, 10, Georgiaįrom jellyfish to snakes to spiders, lots of animals use poison or venom.
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