1. Why Does the Male Platypus Have a Venomous Spur?
The platypus is a strange animal that lives in Australia. It has a bill, lays eggs, but feeds its young with milk. Adult male platypuses have a spur on their hind legs that produces venom. This venom is said to become particularly strong during the breeding season [1].
It is thought that the main role of this venom is not to defend against enemies or to catch prey. Instead, it is considered a weapon used when males fight each other over females [1]. The platypus is a mammal, yet it has poison. This shows that the word "poison" can have different meanings depending on how it is used.
2. What Is the Difference Between Injected Venom and Contact Poison?
There are broadly two types of poisons. The first type is injected directly into another creature's body using fangs or stingers. The second type enters the body if you touch it or eat it [2].
Snakes and bees use the first type. They inject venom with their fangs or stingers to catch prey or fight enemies. On the other hand, pufferfish and some frogs use the second type. They do not attack with it; instead, they use it to weaken predators when they are about to be eaten [2]. This raises a question: Are these animals safe from their own poison?
3. Why Are Cobras Not Harmed by Their Own Venom?
Cobras produce venom inside their bodies. Does this mean they are immune to their own poison? According to a 2020 study, the shape of the part in a cobra's body that receives the toxin is slightly different. Because of this difference, it is thought that their own venom does not work as effectively on them [3].
However, this is not complete immunity. If a very large amount of venom enters a cobra's body at once, it can still be dangerous. Interestingly, other animals have also acquired similar protections through their own evolution.
4. How Do Mongooses and Honey Badgers Survive Snake Venom?
Mongooses and honey badgers are known for eating venomous snakes. These animals have become resistant to snake venom using a mechanism very similar to that of cobras [3].
The interesting part is that cobras, mongooses, and honey badgers are thought to have acquired this similar protection separately from one another. This process is called "convergent evolution" [3]. Different animals reached the same solution independently. Are there other mammals or birds with poison?
5. Which Other Mammals and Birds, Such as the Slow Loris, Use Poison?
The slow loris, a monkey-like animal with large eyes, also uses poison. It is said to make poison by mixing oil from its armpits with saliva. They use this to protect themselves from enemies or to apply it to their children's fur for protection [4].
The solenodon, an animal similar to a mouse, releases venom through grooves in its lower front teeth. Some shrews also have venom. One theory suggests that shrews use poison to paralyze caught insects and keep them alive for later food storage, though this is not yet fully confirmed [4].
Birds can have poison too. The hooded pitohui bird in New Guinea has toxic feathers. In 1989, a scientist discovered this after feeling numbness in his mouth following contact with the bird [5]. Is it only animals that are poisonous?
6. Are There Poisonous Plants, Such as the Daffodil?
Poison is not limited to animals. Some plants are also toxic. For example, the daffodil flower contains poison. Its leaves look very similar to chives (a vegetable often used in cooking), and its bulbs resemble onions or garlic.
In Japan, there have been actual accidents where people ate daffodils by mistake, thinking they were chives or other vegetables. This caused them to feel sick. One person even died from this [6]. You must be especially careful when growing flowers and vegetables that look similar.
7. How Can You Safely Learn More About Poisonous Living Things?
If you want to learn more, check with an adult to see if there are any poisonous plants in nearby parks or flower beds. Open animal encyclopedias or books. If you find a poisonous animal, read the description to determine if it is a type that injects poison, or a type where poison enters if touched or eaten.
For safety, never touch or put any plant or animal in your mouth. Use photos and encyclopedias for research only. If you are growing plants at home, confirm with an adult whether they are toxic [6].