The question is incomplete. It appears there's a misunderstanding, possibly confusing "poisonous" with "venomous." The actual question should be: "What is the difference between poisonous and venomous?"
Here's the answer, explaining the differences based on the provided reference:
Poisonous vs. Venomous: Understanding the Difference
Both poisonous and venomous creatures use toxins, but the delivery method is what sets them apart. The crucial difference lies in how the toxins get into another organism's body.
Key Differences
| Feature | Poisonous | Venomous |
|---|---|---|
| Toxin Delivery | Through ingestion or contact (eaten or touched) | Through injection (bite, sting) |
| Toxin Type | Poison | Venom |
| Example | Poison dart frog, pufferfish | Snake, scorpion, jellyfish |
Detailed Explanation
Poisonous Animals
- Toxins are harmful when ingested or touched. This means if you eat or handle a poisonous animal, its toxins will cause adverse effects.
- They do not actively inject their toxins. Their defense mechanism relies on the potential threat consuming or contacting them.
- Examples:
- Certain types of frogs like the poison dart frog are poisonous - their skin contains toxins that are harmful if touched or ingested.
- Pufferfish contain a potent toxin called tetrodotoxin in their organs, making them poisonous if consumed.
- Some types of plants can be poisonous if ingested or touched, causing irritation or harm.
Venomous Animals
- Toxins are injected into the body. Venomous animals have specialized body parts like fangs, stingers, or barbs to actively introduce toxins into their victims.
- They possess a mechanism to deliver toxins directly. This often involves a bite or a sting through a body part.
- Examples:
- Snakes, use fangs to inject venom during a bite.
- Scorpions use their stinger to inject venom.
- Jellyfish use nematocysts (stinging cells) to inject venom.
Summarized Differences
- Poisonous animals are toxic when eaten or touched; they are passive.
- Venomous animals inject toxins; they are active.
In essence, poison is harmful when absorbed into the body through the skin or the digestive tract, whereas venom is injected.
