10 STRANGEST ANIMAL DEFENSE MECHANISMS

Animal defense mechanisms are acquired and unconscious ways of reacting to various attacks. It is clear that we are talking about a very complex phenomenon and there are difficulties in precise defining of those criteria that mobilize the entre organism.

Even though these mechanisms are different from animal to animal, they have in common that, in this way they are trying to survive and to protect themselves from predators.

Animal that was able to develop a better defense mechanism and a more adequate selection of behavior, managed to get an evolution advantage compared to other member of its species. For example, if you are being that lives in the water and if you are only slightly better at distinguishing darker water from lighter one (which is warmer and has more food) you will probably increase your odds for surviving and breeding.

All organisms are a potential source of food for other organisms. During evolution, animals developed different mechanisms… With predators they are supposed to make hunting easier, while with victims they provided surviving.

Why does a victim defend itself? First, it’s guarding its life. If it remains alive it can have more ofsprings. That is why animals devised different forms of defense. It minimizes the possibility of encountering a predator and increases the chance for survival. Defense is used on a level of entire population or on a level of a individual.

TYPES OF DEFENSE:

Mechanical- teeth, claws, sting, body inflation
Chemical-poison, smell
Mimicry- the animal can be less attacked if it fits in its environment
Behavior – the victim behaves aggressively in order to scare off the predator

Scientists recently recorded a never-before seen defense mechanism of one species of squids that live in sea depths: When they are threatened by danger, the squid brakes off on its own its tip of the tentacle and leaves behind while it escapes. Tentacle continues to shine and move, creating an illusion that enables the squid to escape.

But this squid is not the only creature with bizarre way of defense. Look at 10 strangest defenses mechanisms, those were developed in the course of evolution with animals.

10IBERIAN RIBBED NEWT

When attack, the newts ribs burst out of its skin. The bones then act as barbs, covered in a poisonous secretion that stops the newt from being bitten.

09BOXER CRAB

This crab packs a powerful punch with sea anemones on its claws. The anemones sting, with the crab using them like boxing glows to ward off attackers.

08FLYING FISH

The torpedo shaped fish approach speeds of 37mph (60kmph), shooting out of the water. With their wing-like pectoral fins they can glide for 200m (655ft) above the water.

07PYGMY SPERM WHALE

Growing to just 1.2m (4ft), the pygmy whale is prey of orcas and sharks. It emits a red fluid from its anus, creating cloud cover to swim to safety when threatened.

06HAIRY FROG

Originating from Cameroon, this frog breaks its own bones. The broken bone pierces the skin of its toe pads, forming claws like Wolverine’s.

05HAGFISH

This slimy eel-like fish creates a slime that expands in sea water. This clings to predators, covering their gills and effectively suffocating them.

04SHORT – HORNED LIZARD

These lizards are covered in spikes, but also squirt blood from their eyes. The blood travels 1m (3.3ft), confusing predators and containing a noxious chemical.

03SEA COCUMBER

It can eject internal organs out of its anus that are coated in toxins and ensnare the predator, the organ later regenerate within the sea cucumber.

02TURKEY VOLTORE

The most common vulture in North America vomits when threatened. This acts as an offering of food or puts predators off due to the smell.

01MALAYSIAN EXPLODING ANT

When threatened this ant explodes as a suicidal defense mechanism. It carries poison sacks that emit a sticky toxin from its body before it explodes and die.

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