5 Toxins Animals Steal For Themselves

Animals often steal toxins from other species for defense. Examples include nudibranchs using nidarian toxins, moths using plant glucosides, rats using cardenalides, snakes using bufodenilides, and birds using batrachotoxins. These adaptations help them survive by deterring predators.

What makes stealing toxins more complex than stealing food or nests?

• Toxins are not used by animals.

• Toxins are less effective for defense.

• Toxins require special biological adaptations to handle safely.

• Toxins are easier to find.

How do nudibranchs use pore-forming toxins?

• They produce the toxins themselves.

• They use the toxins to attract mates.

• They use the toxins to build nests.

• They ingest the toxins from Niderians and use them for defense.

What is the primary defense mechanism of the six-spot burnet moth larvae?

• They mimic other toxic animals.

• They hide underground.

• They use cyanogenic glucosides from plants.

• They produce their own toxins.

How do cardenalides affect the body?

• They enhance muscle growth.

• They block sodium-potassium pumps, affecting the heart.

• They improve digestion.

• They increase energy levels.

What unique feature helps the tiger keelback snake use bufodenilides?

• It uses the toxins to attract prey.

• It is immune to all toxins.

• It has special glands that store the toxins.

• It produces the toxins itself.

How do passerine birds use ricotoxins?

• They secrete them in their feathers for defense.

• They digest them for energy.

• They use them to attract mates.

• They use them to build nests.

What is a common feature among animals that steal toxins?

• They produce the toxins themselves.

• They are all mammals.

• They have evolved resistance to the toxins.

• They all live in water.