Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A little late getting around to this question. I believe it was addresed a while back. I was not completely familiar with the snakes that were being talked about, so before saying anything, I did some reading. The question was, " why is the venom of species such as the Taipans and Brown snakes etc. so toxic". After reading up a little, it seems that the prey of most of these extremly toxic land snakes are mammels. Much like the common prey of North American Pit Vipers. I was thinking I would find something like birds that can fly a great distance after being envenomated, therefore the need for something to kill fast. That does not seem to be the case. So, the question still is " why the need for such a toxic venom?. Thank you for any reply.

My understanding is that the natural prey animals build up an immunity to a snake's venom, so the snakes have to keep evolving more powerful venom to keep up with the prey animal's immunity. Humans just kind of get caught in their war.

Animals don't evolve because they *NEED* something. It is more the other way around. Things randomly change, and those that are the most fit get to pass on their genes. If there is something within the phenotype that is energetically costly and serves no useful function, these phenotypes are eliminated over time. However, those phenotypes that have some difference that gives them an advantage tend to be the ones that survive. However, these adaptations don't ensure that they will pass their genes on, they merely increase the chances.

Thanks for both replys. I can understand the emune aspect, however why doesn't the venom of say a Eastern Diamondback become more potent? If I understand the potency of thye venom is inherited and passed on down rather then being created by necessity. Is that correct? Thank both of you again.

well, yeah... I never type all that out because it takes to long and sorta confuses the issue. It was never my intent to be Lamarckian . I guess I should be more clear:
Ahem... random members of the prey species will be more immune to the snake's venom than others. Those genes will spread through the population, rendering it less susceptible to the snake's venom. However, random members of the snake population will have a more powerful venom, which then will be selected for. After a while, if you're not the prey species, you are pretty much screwed if you get bitten by the snake population.