"Spitting cobras may have evolved unique venom to defend from ancient humans"

 Recently I read an interesting article entitled "Spitting cobras may have evolved unique venom to defend from ancient humans" by Taline Kazandjian, Harry Greene, Nicholas Casewell and Wolfgang Wüster.


 I learned a lot about cobras and their habits. These fascinating snakes are mainly known for their defense mechanism called hooding, when the sides of their necks flare out. However, as the authors write, hooding is not the only defense mechanism of these animals. Some cobras can spit venom up to 2.5 meters away, generally hitting their opponent's eyes with poison. I found out that this unique adaptation had evolved three times independently in a small group of Afro-Asian snakes. Spitting cobras use their venom only for defense, not for preying on other animals.


Scientists have the theory that it was man who influenced the evolution of cobras. The timing of the venom spitting evolution coincides with key dates in the evolution of early human ancestors. This kind of defense must have been stimulated by a very strong selective pressure. Bipedal hominins, human ancestors who walked on two legs almost certainly posed an even greater long-distance threat compared to their four-legged relatives. This required a long distance defense from their serpentine enemies, like spitting.

https://theconversation.com/spitting-cobras-may-have-evolved-unique-venom-to-defend-from-ancient-humans-153570

Komentarze

  1. englishdiary10 marca 2021 00:42

    Very interesting, I love evolution stories but I's also love to read your reflections on it.

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