Toxins and Venoms

Toxins and venoms are biologically produced substances that can harm or deter other organisms. Toxins are poisons that can cause illness or damage when ingested, touched, or absorbed, found in plants, bacteria, or foods like poison ivy and certain mushrooms. Venoms are specialized toxins injected through bites or stings, such as from snakes, spiders, or wasps, used for defense or capturing prey. Both have evolved to serve survival functions and can vary in potency. While some toxins are harmful to humans, many animals produce them safely as part of their natural defense mechanisms.