Poisonous vs Venomous

Toxic substances are inevitable. Sometimes these can be found in foods and in drinks. In other cases, toxic substances are in plants and animals. Others can be through micro-organisms. Since our planet is very huge, these kinds of outward toxins must be evaluated.

Toxicologists are experts in identifying toxic substances. These can be poisonous or venomous substances that can be found in our environment. “Poisonous” and “venomous” are words we often use interchangeably. These words will be differentiated in this article.

Both words, “venom” and “poison” are deadly or harmful to other organisms. These words actually differ in how the toxins are being delivered to their prey. Let us find out what makes these words entirely different.

Venomous organisms spread their toxins using a specific body part in order for the toxins to penetrate these organisms.Examples of these are their fangs or stingers. These special body parts are attached to a gland that produces the toxins that are venomous. These become venomous when you are hit by their special body parts for defense.

Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, are organisms that do not need a specific body part in order to spread the toxins. These organisms or plants can spread toxins or poison through their body. For example, on the surface of the body of the plant itself, and so on and so forth. These plants and animals are considered poisonous when eaten or touched.

Examples of venomous species are: rattle snakes, scorpions, spiders, centipedes and a lot more, while examples of poisonous organisms are: poison ivies butterflies, moths, true bugs, and a lot more.

In case of poisoning or venom poisoning, one can immediately go to the nearest hospital for an immediate antidote to save one’s life. This is also to stop the toxin from spreading. And also, when camping or hiking outdoors, we should be wearing protective clothing from head to foot to avoid dangling poisonous plants and animals.

Summary:

1. Venomous organisms spread their toxins using a specific body part in order for the toxins to penetrate these organisms while poisonous organisms, on the other hand, are organisms that do not need a specific body part in order to spread the toxins.
2. Examples of venomous species are: rattle snakes, scorpions, spiders, centipedes,and a lot more, while examples of poisonous organisms are: poison ivies, butterflies,moths, true bugs, and a lot more.

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