What Venom Is

• A toxin injected into another organism
• Delivered by bite, sting, or harpoon
• Produced in specialized glands
• Targets prey and predators

What Poison Is

• A toxin harmful when taken in
• Enters by touch, ingestion, or breath
• Found in skin, tissue, or parts
• Usually serves as defense

How Venom Acts

• Enters the body through a wound
• Attacks tissues, nerves, or blood
• Often acts fast at the site
• Spreads from the injection point

How Poison Acts

• Absorbs through skin, mouth, or lungs
• Acts locally or across the body
• Varies widely by specific toxin
• Triggers harm without any wound

Key Differences

• Venom needs delivery; poison does not
• Glands make venom; tissue holds poison
• Venom hunts; poison defends
• Both can act systemically

Venomous Animals

• Snakes inject through fangs
• Scorpions strike with a stinger
• Cone snails fire a harpoon tooth
• Bees deliver venom by sting

Poisonous Things

• Dart frogs carry skin toxins
• Poison ivy spreads urushiol sap
• Death cap mushrooms sicken if eaten
• Pufferfish hold lethal tetrodotoxin