evolution of venoms

Venoms have evolved as powerful biological tools for survival, primarily for capturing prey or defending against threats. Over millions of years, certain animals, like snakes, spiders, and some fish, developed specific proteins in their saliva or secretions that can immobilize or kill other organisms. This process occurs through natural selection, where individuals with more effective venoms survive longer and produce more offspring. As environments and prey species changed, these venoms adapted, becoming more specialized and efficient, illustrating the dynamic relationship between organisms and their ecosystems in the ongoing process of evolution.