|
NISCAIR ONLINE PERIODICALS REPOSITORY (NOPR) >
NISCAIR PUBLICATIONS >
Popular Science Magazines >
Science Reporter >
SR Vol.47 [2010] >
SR Vol.47(04) [April 2010] >
| Title: | Spewing Venom |
| Authors: | Chaudhuri, Sagarika |
| Issue Date: | Apr-2010 |
| Publisher: | CSIR |
| Abstract: | Lethal, venomous vertebrates occupy an important niche
in the ecosystem. Although their venom could even be fatal, some venoms have
proved to be very important as pharmacological and biomedical compounds.
Think venom and you cannot help
thinking of snakes. But there are innumerable other species of animals equally
capable of spewing venom and dealing a lethal blow. Originating
from the Latin word Venenem meaning poison, venom can be defined as a
zootoxin or a variety of poisonous substance secreted by an animal, produced by
specialized glands and associated with spines, tooth or stings. It may
primarily be used for killing prey or may be defensive or may even function as
a digestive fluid. The venom may cause localized skin inflammation or almost
instant death.
But is there any difference between
venomous and poisonous animals? Or are they both the same? Well, while venomous
animals deliver or inject venom into their prey either while hunting or while
defending themselves, poisonous animals are harmful when consumed or touched.
Venom is generally produced in organs specialized for the purpose whereas
poison is generally distributed over a larger part of the body of organisms
producing it. Now let’s take a look at some of these venomous animals that could be equally poisonous as snakes. |
| Page(s): | 28-33 |
| ISSN: | 0036-8512 |
| Source: | SR Vol.47(04) [April 2010]
|
|
