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Why don’t poisonous animals poison themselves? - Rebecca D. Tarvin

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9,265 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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Thousands of animal species use toxic chemicals to defend themselves from predators. Snakes have blood clotting compounds in their fangs, the bombardier beetle has corrosive liquid in its abdomen and jellyfish have venomous, harpoon-like structures in their tentacles. But how do these animals survive their own poisons? Rebecca D. Tarvin details the strategies that protect animals from themselves.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Rebecca D. Tarvin
  • Director Giulia Martinelli
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
  • Animator Giulia Martinelli, Francesca Marinelli, Laura Piunti
  • Storyboard Artist Giulia Martinelli

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