Page 24 - (DK) Danger! Open with Extreme Caution!

POISON PERILS

Here’s a jarring thought: there are thousands of different poisonous
animals out there. These creatures have a toxin in their glands or
skin that can kill or sicken any animal that tries to
nibble, sniff, or touch them. The poison attacks
the nervous system or stops the heart and
lungs from working. Poisonous
animals are often brightly colored,
so take the hint and stay away. and black birds from New Guinea feeds

Hooded pitohui

This family of strikingly colorful orange

on toxic beetles. As a result, neurotoxins
build up in their skin and feathers.
If a snake or bird of prey pounces,
Flamboyant it, causing numbness and tingling.
the toxin-laced feathers instantly repel
cuttlefish
These odd-looking fish found Stonefish
in the seas of Australia and
Indonesia stroll along the ocean Lying on the seabed, stonefish are armed with spines
on their backs to protect themselves from predators,
floor with their arms, looking
for dinner. Cuttlefish can such as sharks and rays. Should a predator pounce,
change color in an instant they shoot out poison, causing paralysing pain.
to camouflage themselves Stone me!
when stalking their prey.
To keep themselves safe
from other predators,
their muscle tissue contains
a sickeningly strong poison.

Cane toad
Sensing danger, the cane toad begins
to “cry,” oozing out a white fluid from
glands near its eyes and along its back.
Contact with this milky poison causes
twitching, limb collapse, breathing
problems, then cardiac arrest. So don’t
kiss a tearful toad to make it feel better

24 or you will feel much, much worse.
(c) 2011 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.