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Biology

The Evolution of Venom Resistance in Prey Species of Vipers

Quick fact

Some ground squirrels and mongooses have evolved venom resistance so effective that a bite from a rattlesnake or cobra is barely a nuisance, thanks to mutations that prevent the venom's toxins from binding to their cell receptors.

Why this is interesting

You've probably heard that some animals can survive snake bites that are deadly to humans. But how does a squirrel or a mongoose become immune to a cobra's venom? The answer is a fascinating evolutionary arms race.