A Moment of Science
You may think milkweed is just a stubborn weed, but to some it's a valuable commodity.
Meet the Taricha granulosa newt, otherwise known as the rough skinned newt. It’s a small, slow-moving creature. There’s nothing apparently threatening about it. However, glands in its skin secrete a potent poison, tetrodotoxin. Learn more on this Moment of Science.
Certain species of male moths use toxins to protect themselves during sex. Learn more on this Moment of Science.
Since botulism bacteria cannot survive in oxygen, they form spores that lie dormant until they’re in an oxygen-free environment. For example, the oxygen-free insides of canned goods are prime breeding grounds for botulism.
In the real world, some caterpillars and plants engage in a deadly struggle for survival. We’re talking full-scale battle, involving chemical weapons no less.
Copyright © 2013, The Trustees of Indiana University | Copyright Complaints
1229 East Seventh Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
