Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory Office of Science NEWTON's Homepage NEWTON's Homepage
NEWTON, Ask A Scientist!
NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Snake Venom Types 
Name: Smith W.
Status: student
Age:  30s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 4/21/2003
Question:
I am doing a paper on the exploration of why two different types of venom evolved in snakes. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction I need to go? Or if anyone has a possible answer?

Replies:
I have found much information on different venom types but not about why they have evolved. Like most "why" questions in nature we can say "because it works," meaning that both types have been successful survival strategies for their species. I found one interesting old (1944) reference that discusses the evolution of venom (c. 18), but makes no suggestion as to why two different types evolved. It is: "Snakes Alive, and How They Live" by Clifford H. Pope.

J. Elliott

Click here to return to the Zoology Archives

NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.

For assistance with NEWTON contact a System Operator (help@newton.dep.anl.gov), or at Argonne's Educational Programs

NEWTON AND ASK A SCIENTIST
Educational Programs
Building 360
9700 S. Cass Ave.
Argonne, Illinois
60439-4845, USA
Update: June 2012
Weclome To Newton

Argonne National Laboratory