All articles tagged with #animal defense
Scientists observed snakes dragging toxin-containing frogs across the ground before eating them, revealing how some animals have evolved mechanisms like toxin degradation or resistance to survive and even co-opt deadly chemicals, highlighting the complex chemical arms race in nature.
The pom pom crab, also known as the Hawaiian boxer crab, uses sea anemones as weapons and shields during fights and for defense against predators. Despite their small size, these crabs carry tiny sea anemones in each claw, waving them around to intimidate opponents. However, the purpose of wielding the anemones remains unclear, with hypotheses ranging from their toxicity to their value as food collectors. Scientists are still studying the relationship between the boxer crabs and the sea anemones to understand the benefits for both species.