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have you ever wondered why venomous animals seem to thrive in warm climates? from the flying snake to the half-mouthed alligator, these creatures have adapted to their environments in fascinating ways. let's dive into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore the world of venomous animals in warm places.
why do venomous animals live in warm climates?
as a canadian-australian, i've always been curious about why australia is home to so many venomous animals that can kill you, while canada has virtually none. to find the truth, i embarked on a journey to uncover the reasons behind this trend. i spoke with chemists, visited zoos, interviewed entomologists, and snake experts. here's what i discovered:
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ectotherms and warm climates: the majority of venomous species are ectotherms, cold-blooded creatures whose internal temperatures are governed by their surroundings. this means they have limited periods of activity, mainly while it's warm out, and can only exert short bursts of energy. as a result, they are generally 'sit and wait' predators, which may explain why they evolved venom.
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more species in warm climates: there are more species in warm climates, and this trend is especially pronounced for ectotherms. this explains why there are a greater number of venomous species in warm places, simply because there are more species in warm places.
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history and venomous species: history also plays a role. in australia, there were no snakes until 20 million years ago when a venomous sea snake from asia encountered the land, sending venomous species to all corners of the continent. later non-venomous arrivals have done well in the tropics but not as well in australia's colder climates, so venomous types still dominate there.
the most venomous species in warm places
australia is often cited as having all or nearly all of the ten most venomous snakes in the world, plus the funnel-web spider, the blue-ringed octopus, box jellyfish, paralysis tick, and stonefish. but why are these creatures so venomous? it's all about survival and adaptation.
the recent ice age and ectotherms
the recent ice age also would have driven ectotherms from the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. this is why there are no snakes in ireland, for example. as the climate changed, these creatures had to adapt or perish.
conclusion
the world of venomous animals in warm climates is a fascinating one, full of mystery and intrigue. from the flying snake to the half-mouthed alligator, these creatures have adapted to their environments in ways that allow them to survive and thrive. by understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon, we can better appreciate the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
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