Ask A Scientist Zoology Archive

name         Smith W.
status       student
age          30s

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?
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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
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