Summary
Toxins evolved repeatedly from ordinary proteins in snakes, spiders, cone snails and others.
In depth
Toxins in snakes, scorpions, cone snails and platypus arose from gene duplication and recruitment of ordinary body proteins. Neurotoxins disrupt ion channels; haemotoxins affect blood. Venom components are drug leads.
Venom genes duplicate and diversify quickly. Resistance evolves in prey and predators. Venom use has evolved for defence and predation.
Key idea: toxins are recruited from normal body proteins.
Frequently asked questions
What is Venom Evolution?
Toxins evolved repeatedly from ordinary proteins in snakes, spiders, cone snails and others.
Which area of biology covers Venom Evolution, and how advanced is it?
Venom Evolution is one of the 53 topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Domestication Genetics, Parental Care Evolution, Animal Kingdom.
Can you give an example of Venom Evolution?
Captopril was developed from pit viper venom.
What should I learn before Venom Evolution?
Work through the Beginner topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity first, such as Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Sponges, then return to Venom Evolution. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Venom Evolution?
The closest topics to Venom Evolution are Domestication Genetics, Parental Care Evolution, Animal Kingdom, Echolocation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Venom Evolution?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Venom Evolution. To practise the whole of Zoology & Animal Diversity, use the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz.
How is Venom Evolution different from Domestication Genetics?
Venom Evolution: Toxins evolved repeatedly from ordinary proteins in snakes, spiders, cone snails and others. Domestication Genetics: Selection for tameness changed many traits together, as shown in the Russian fox experiment. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Venom Evolution step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Domestication Genetics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.