Animals 
Animal Fundas – 4     
by Aniket Kumar (10 years) 

• The stonefish which looks like a stone is one of the most venomous vertebrates known. Its sharp dorsal spines contain enough poison to kill an adult human who is unfortunate enough to step on one.

• Adult male platypuses have a poison gland in their hind legs. They can eject poison out of a hollow, horny spur on their ankle.

• One of a centipede's many pairs of legs has especially strong joints and end in a sharp claw into which a poison gland opens. These legs are used for seizing and killing prey. In some species, the bite is poisonous to humans.

• The brown tail moth caterpillar is covered with white and brown hairs. The brown hairs are the ones you have to look out for: They are barbed and contain a poisonous substance, and are frequently carried by the wind. These hairs can cause human respiratory problems and an irritating skin rash. 

Funda of Fundas

So why do the frogs have brightly colored bodies and huge red eyes? The bright colors are a defense mechanism. If the green camouflage fails and a predator spots a sleeping frog, it swoops in for what it thinks will be a tasty meal. But the awakened frog’s eyes pop open, revealing their startling bright red color! Also, when the frog rushes to get away, it un-tucks its brightly colored legs.

The predator is often so surprised by these sudden flashes of color that it is momentarily confused and hesitates. And while it does, the frog has a split second to make its escape!

December 25, 2005

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