Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Ian F on 11/04/2010 23:30:03

Title: Why do spiders have such potent venom?
Post by: Ian F on 11/04/2010 23:30:03

Ian F  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi team,

Why have certain spiders evolved poison so powerful, one bite can kill a large mammal like a cow? Most spiders feed on other insects and so it seems venom many times weaker would have the same rapid and deadly effect. But there must be a perfectly good reason as nothing of this nature evolves by accident.

Can you help?

Regards,

Ian Farr

What do you think?

Title: Why do spiders have such potent venom?
Post by: RD on 12/04/2010 05:28:07

Maybe they are descended from spider species which attacked bigger prey, and still retain the venomousness ...

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1079895/The-amazing-pictures-giant-spider-eating-bird.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1079895/The-amazing-pictures-giant-spider-eating-bird.html)

[That's giant spider eating a bird, not "giant-spider-eating-bird"].


or the potent venom could be a defence against bigger creatures who eat spiders.