The platypus’ movable spurs can unleash a range of at least 19 peptides and a host of other non-proteinous chemicals. To add to this list of odd characteristics, the male platypus is one of very few mammals to produce venom this venom is secreted from spurs on the hind limbs and is only produced by males during mating season. Share on Pinterest The platypus, one of nature’s most bizarre concoctions. If breathing can be maintained, the body will slowly metabolize the tetrodotoxin and, if they survive the first 24 hours, a full recovery can be expected. Once injected, tetrodotoxin leads to a complete paralysis of the muscles, including those necessary for breathing in a rather sinister twist, the bitten individual will remain fully aware of their surroundings as the paralysis progresses.īecause these deadly effects can arrive just minutes after a bite, the victim’s only hope is artificial respiration. When released into a mammalian blood stream, it blocks sodium channels, and, like getting the wrong key stuck in a door, the channels are left open, making nerve conduction impossible. Tetrodotoxin is produced by bacteria in the blue-ringed octopus’ salivary glands. The most sinister of these components is tetrodotoxin, considered to be at least 1,000 times more deadly than cyanide. If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten, you will receive a smorgasbord of chemicals that include tetrodotoxin, tryptamine, histamine, octopamine, acetylcholine, taurine and dopamine. To add insult to injury, there is no antivenom, and, because the bite is so small, many people do not realize that they have been envenomated until the symptoms begin. Share on Pinterest The blue-ringed-octopus’ color scheme belies its toxicity.Īt a push, the blue-ringed octopus reaches just 20 cm in length, but they still harbor enough toxic chemicals to kill 26 adult humans. Tetrodotoxin blocks the same channels that the batrachotoxins jam open, effectively reversing the damage. Counterintuitively, the poison from the highly toxic pufferfish – tetrodotoxin – can help minimize its effects. This makes transduction of nerve signals from the spine to the muscles impossible, leading to paralysis.īatrachotoxins also have significant effects on the heart muscles, causing abnormal rhythmic patterns and, eventually, cardiac arrest.Ĭurrently, there is no antidote to batrachotoxin. These toxins are lipid-soluble and work directly on the sodium ion channels of nerves, irreversibly bonding to them and jamming them open. Colombian arrow frogs are coated with the same chemical, and, like the ifrit, the frogs develop their toxic overcoat from the beetles they consume. This sequestering of weaponry is thought to ward off predators and potential free-loading parasites.įor humans, simply handling the birds can produce numbness, tingling and sneezing.īatrachotoxins are some of the most toxic natural substances known to man. The bird consumes beetles of the genus Choresine, which contain high levels of homobatrachotoxins, a type of batrachotoxin – potent neurotoxic steroidal alkaloids.īy snacking on these poisonous beetles, the bird manages to assimilate the batrachotoxins into its skin and feathers. Share on Pinterest Toxic birds are very rare and are only be found in New Guinea. In addition, we will learn how it is that their toxic capabilities can impact humans. Here, rather than focusing on the most toxic animals, we will cover five of the more surprising or unusual members of the venomous and poisonous family. On the other hand, poisonous animals contain a toxic substance but have no mechanism for delivering the poison it simply exudes or contains its weapon, like the poison dart frog and his toxic coating or the puffer fish’s poisonous internal organs. The major difference is the way in which the toxin is shared.Ī venomous animal has a dastardly delivery mechanism – fangs or a stinger, for instance – and the toxin is generally produced in the vicinity of this implement for ease of distribution. This article aims to give a handful of the more unusual noxious organisms their fair share of the limelight.Īt this stage, it seems pertinent to clear up a question that exasperates entomologists, herpetologists, toxicologists and zoologists at large: what is the difference between venom and poison?īoth venomous and poisonous animals carry a chemical that is dangerous or deadly to another organism. However, there are many more who are yet to receive their rightful recognition.
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