The Diversity of Venom: The Importance of Behavior and Venom System Morphology in Understanding Its Ecology and Evolution.

摘要: Venoms are one of the most convergent animal traits known, and encompass a much greater taxonomic functional diversity than is commonly appreciated. This knowledge gap limits potential venom as model trait in evolutionary biology. Here, we summarize venoms relate this to what known about system morphology, modulation, pharmacology, with aim drawing attention importance these largely neglected aspects research. We find that animals have evolved at least 101 independent times play 11 distinct ecological roles addition predation, defense, feeding. Comparisons different systems suggest morphology strongly influences how achieve functions, hence an important consideration for understanding molecular evolution their toxins. Our findings also highlight need more holistic studies toxins they contain. Greater behavior, ecologically relevant toxin pharmacology will improve our toxins, likely facilitate exploration sources tools therapeutic agrochemical lead compounds.