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#1343767
Shal
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Why such potent venom? 
Hi. I’m new here. I just wanted to ask a question that is somewhat scientific and philosophical: Does anyone know why small animals have such deadly venom? Why would a black mamba’s venom be potent enough to potentially kill up to 40 grown men in a single bite? Is that really neccessary? Or say, the box jellyfish (a little off the topic) be able to kill a 200lb mammal almost instantly just by touching it? Do you see where i’m going with this? It seems like over kill. A spider bite that wreaks havok on your skin and just leaves a huge gaping hole. Is the spider trying to kill you so it can eat all 200lbs of your flesh? I don’t think so. So why do these tiny creatures need a weapon that is equal to a human instantly killing a blue whale or a Brontosaurus with one touch?
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07/03/07 02:50am
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#1343806
Eunectes4
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Message To: Shal In reference to Message Id: 1343767
Why such potent venom?
Speed
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07/03/07 04:02am
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#1343829
SerpentsTsquared
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Message To: Eunectes4 In reference to Message Id: 1343806
Why such potent venom?
Scientifically speaking, it’s evolving adaptations to suit their niche in the environment. A mamba is a fast moving, typically diurnal (probably just as much nocturnal at some stage in their life) snake, is out in the open just as much as it is in the trees. Venomous snakes typically bite and wait for their prey to die and then chow down. While it’s waiting it is vulnerable to have its meal stolen or fall victim to preditors, the faster (more potent) the venom, the shorter the vulnerable wait time.
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07/03/07 05:13am
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#1345024
R_rhoads
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Message To: Shal In reference to Message Id: 1343767
Why such potent venom?
Well I was watching Killer Instinct and there was a show on the common Brown Snake in Australia. It said the sanke developped such potent venom because it’s main food source (some kind of marcupial) was quit big and had sharp teeth that could injur a snake. Like one guy said earlier it is there so that the animal dies as quickly as possible. Also on the same show there was a show on Tiger snakes where tiger snake’s on an island had venom 4x more potent than the regular mainland tiger snake because of their food source ( some kind of bird). Also those tiger snakes are completly black so they can absorb heat better because it gets cold on the island.
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07/03/07 11:58pm
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#1661396
Adzscott
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Message To: Shal In reference to Message Id: 1343767
Why such potent venom?
In the case of the Box Jellyfish, it is to do with speed. It’s the game with sea snakes. Since they have no arms of legs they have to have potent venom so they can stop the fish from sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
The venom on most land based snakes is very strong as it gives them a speed advantage. A rattlesnake’s venom can kill a rat in less than 10 seconds.
However venom has another use, Self defense. Not many animals are going to mess with something that can kill them within a few hours of a single bite.
Adzscott
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03/15/08 07:16am
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