Defensive Venoms: Is Pain Sufficient for Predator Deterrence?

摘要: Pain, though unpleasant, is adaptive in calling an animal's attention to potential tissue damage. A long list of animals representing diverse taxa possess venom-mediated, pain-inducing bites or stings that work by co-opting the pain-sensing pathways enemies. Typically, such venoms include toxins cause damage disrupt neuronal activity, rendering painful honest indicators harm. But could pain alone be sufficient for deterring a hungry predator? Some venomologists have argued "no"; predators, absence injury, would "see through" bluff but otherwise benign sting bite. Because most algogenic are also toxic (although not vice versa), it has been difficult disentangle relative contributions each component predator deterrence. Southern grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus) voracious predators arthropods, feeding on diversity scorpion species whose vary painfulness, including Arizona bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) and essentially painless stripe-tailed (Paravaejovis spinigerus). Moreover, southern evolved resistance lethal venom, from these harmless. Results series laboratory experiments demonstrate matter. Grasshopper preferred prey rather than when both sting; preference disappeared had their stingers blocked. therefore appears necessary deter mouse, may always sufficient: after first attacking consuming scorpion, many went attack, kill, eat even was capable stinging. Defensive result neurological dysfunction may, thus, required condition greater aversion causing alone.