Snake venom evolved for prey, not protection
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - 10:30
in Biology & Nature
It is estimated that every year, over 100,000 human deaths can be attributed to snakebite from the world's 700 venomous snake species—all inflicted in self-defense when the snakes feel threatened by encroaching humans. However, a new piece of research concludes that snake venom did not evolve as a defense mechanism.