The text discusses various ways animals defend themselves, from the use of formic acid by ants to the ability of horned lizards to shoot their own blood. Ants use a poisonous gland in their abdomen to launch a volley of acid when threatened. Horned lizards, in a desperate situation, can shoot blood from the corners of their eyes at a distance of up to five meters. This defense mechanism is not only unpleasant, but it can also be poisonous, making it a deterrent even for predators like birds of prey.
Kentish plovers, despite being small birds, have learned to resist predators by diverting danger to themselves to save their young. When a predator approaches, the adult bird pretends to be wounded and moves away from the nest, diverting the threat from the clutch.
Sabrina's reckenbergy spiders, found only in Morocco, have a unique defense mechanism. They can roll up, down, and even against the wind using their own legs. This defense mechanism influenced developments in biomimetics, resulting in an experimental robot that moves in a similar way.
Ribbon worms use a slime-like substance that looks like white slime to paralyze their prey. This defense mechanism is also used against predators.
A crab species called Libia has developed a unique defense mechanism. It carries around Actinia corals in its claws, which it uses to repel predators. When a predator is about to attack, the crab freezes, blending into the background. The Actinia corals are poisonous, providing an additional layer of defense.
Electric eels, also known as Japanese bees, use electrical discharges up to 600 volts to stun their enemies. These eels have special organs consisting of numerous electrical plates, which produce electrical discharges when an eel is attacked or needs to stun its prey.
In conclusion, the text highlights the various unique defense mechanisms employed by different species to survive in the wild. These mechanisms range from the use of acid and blood to the ability to control their own body temperature and produce electrical discharges.
1. Ants have a defense mechanism that involves the release of a poisonous substance, formic acid, from a gland in their abdomen. This acid is stored in a reservoir until needed, and is fired out in response to potential danger such as predators or intruders [Document 1].
2. The abdomen of a red forest ant contains a poisonous gland that releases acid. The acid passes through a duct into a reservoir where it's stored until needed [Document 1].
3. Ants behave as a single organism, which is able to resist the attack of any predator, even a bear [Document 1].
4. Ants have a defense mechanism that involves the release of a poison