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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of venom in venomous snakes?
What is the primary function of venom in venomous snakes?
- To aid in digestion
- To defend against predators
- To attract mates
- To kill or subdue prey (correct)
Which statement is true about poisonous animals?
Which statement is true about poisonous animals?
- Their poison must be injected into the bloodstream.
- They produce their own poison.
- They are used primarily to kill prey.
- They typically consume other animals to build up poison. (correct)
What distinguishes the taipan's venom from that of other snakes?
What distinguishes the taipan's venom from that of other snakes?
- It is only effective if ingested.
- It has a low fatality rate.
- It is primarily cytotoxic.
- It is a mix of neurotoxins, procoagulants, and myotoxins. (correct)
Which snake is responsible for approximately 60% of snakebite fatalities in Australia?
Which snake is responsible for approximately 60% of snakebite fatalities in Australia?
What is a common characteristic of the king cobra?
What is a common characteristic of the king cobra?
What is the main reason why the boomslang is difficult to detect in its natural habitat?
What is the main reason why the boomslang is difficult to detect in its natural habitat?
What percentage chance of death does a boomslang bite pose without medical assistance?
What percentage chance of death does a boomslang bite pose without medical assistance?
What does the name 'boomslang' translate to in English?
What does the name 'boomslang' translate to in English?
How wide can a boomslang's mouth open when preparing to bite?
How wide can a boomslang's mouth open when preparing to bite?
Which effect does the boomslang's venom have on a victim's blood?
Which effect does the boomslang's venom have on a victim's blood?
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Study Notes
Venomous vs. Poisonous
- Poisonous substances must be ingested or absorbed to be harmful, primarily used for self-defense.
- Venomous animals produce their own venom, which must be injected into the bloodstream to affect prey, mainly used for subduing or killing.
Taipan
- Officially known as the inland taipan, it has the most potent venom of any snake.
- Venom consists of neurotoxins, procoagulants, and myotoxins, making its bite nearly lethally effective in 80% of untreated cases.
- Can kill a human within an hour; native to Queensland, Australia.
Eastern Brown Snake
- Highly dangerous and the second deadliest snake globally.
- Responsible for approximately 60% of snakebite fatalities in Australia, with a length of up to 2 meters.
- Prefers biting the upper thigh; venom causes severe bleeding and cardiac arrest.
King Cobra
- Regarded as one of the longest venomous snakes, with some sources contesting the title with the black mamba.
- A bite without medical intervention has a 50% fatality rate; contains enough venom to kill an Asian elephant within hours.
Boomslang
- Name translates to "tree snake" in Afrikaans; adept at camouflaging with trees.
- Uses a hunting technique by extending its body from branches, making it hard to detect.
- Venom inhibits blood clotting, leading to death by exsanguination; possesses large fangs capable of opening to 170° when striking.
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