How and why snakes have venom?

Why do snakes need poison? This seemingly simple question has long been a matter of dispute specialists who study the behavior of these reptiles. Differing among themselves in composition and produced effects snake venoms are not only a unique means for self-defense and food acquisition, but also constantly improving the tools in the fight for survival on the planet. After all, snakes are afraid of almost everything, from us, the people, and to the most large and dangerous animals. And all because their bite can immobilize, to bring unimaginable pain and, eventually, kill. Why nature has given these creatures such a unique ability? Let's try to understand together in this article.

Why do snakes need venom?

As mentioned, snakes are feared by many. And perhaps no wonder: according to statistics, every year from snake bites killed more than 100 000 person in the world. Basically, all of these deaths occur as a result of self-defense displayed by the predator against the man. Due to the huge variety of poisons produced by snakes in search of the antidote for each of them is sometimes impossible, but the difficulties scientists do not end there. The fact that over time snake venoms are becoming more complex in composition writing . Quickly notice these changes and create new antidotes, the researchers simply do not have time.

Snake venom is a cocktail of different substances that are produced by special glands, which in most species are located behind the eyes. Despite the danger of snake venoms, people have learned to use them for good purposes. Having a rich composition that includes various amino acids, poisons, snakes and often anti-inflammatory drugs.

For a Long time it was believed that the main function of natural poisons is to restrain and repel the attack of a predator, until that moment, until the aggressor is killed or injured. In addition, injecting poison into the body of another living being, the snake instinctively understands that the pain affects him so that he could not quickly escape to a safe place. Anyway, a new study has shown that attributed to snakes, “humanity”, forcing them to use deadly poisons just for the sake of self-defense, actually has nothing to do with reality.

Snake venoms found its use even in official medicine

In order to test a theory about the evolution of snake venom, researchers from Bangor University decided to interview those representatives of the professions who are on duty have most often subjected to poisonous bites from snakes. Thus, specially selected by keepers of snakes, reptiles, researchers and environmentalists completed a questionnaire in which told about experienced their venomous bites and in particular, about the level of pain experienced by them.

does it Hurt when a snake bite?

A Survey of more than 368 people received a total of 584 bite from 192 different species of snakes, the researchers found that about 30% of all bites of these reptiles have a relatively low level of pain a few minutes after the bite; cases where the snake bite led to debilitating pain in the first minutes after the attack animal to human, was only identified in 15% and 55% of respondents said that they moved the snake-bite was almost completely painless. Thus, the theory that the poison of the serpent was invented by nature just for scaring away a potential enemy in self-defence, was fundamentally flawed.

After Analyzing the poison that caused the appearance of acute pain within a few minutes after the bite, the researchers found that they evolved several times throughout its history, with the aim of causing the greatest possible harm to his victim or enemy. In other words, do not intend simply to defend himself in response to danger, preferring the defense a strong attack.

photo — maplegrove Brazilian snake venom that causes severe pain,

With the findings of scientists it is difficult to argue, especially if you carefully study the properties of venoms of some snakes. So, maplegrove Brazilian snake (Bothrops moojeni), which is considered one of the most poisonous snakes on the planet, produces a poison with substances whose primary function is inflicting pain. Spitting cobras have a unique behavioural adaptation for the use of protective poison, and their venoms cause intense pain upon contact with eyes. Instinctively aware of the most vulnerable places on the body of the victim, the snake, although I try to avoid meetings with humans and larger animals are predators, the mainthe purpose of which has always been the production of food is not “humane” ways.

Earlier Hi-News.ru we have already talked about the fact that scientists want to learn how to make artificial snake venom in the laboratory. About where it might come in handy, you can read .

the snakes are not very developed intellect. Maybe they compensate for this by the presence of a dangerous poisons?