Scaly Beasts: Venomous Snakes

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Eastern Brown Snake Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the king cobra?

It is considered one of the longest venomous snakes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the boomslang is difficult to detect in its natural habitat?

It remains motionless while mimicking branches. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage chance of death does a boomslang bite pose without medical assistance?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'boomslang' translate to in English?

Tree snake Signup and view all the answers

How wide can a boomslang's mouth open when preparing to bite?

170° Signup and view all the answers

Which effect does the boomslang's venom have on a victim's blood?

It prevents the blood from clotting. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Description

Explore the intriguing world of venomous snakes in this informational quiz. Understand the differences between 'poisonous' and 'venomous' and learn about their unique adaptations and defense mechanisms. Perfect for Stage 6 learners focusing on scaly beasts.