User:Victoria.kennedy001/Platypus venom

Although platypus venom has a broadly similar range of effects and is known to consist of a similar selection of substances to reptilian venom, it appears to have a different function from those poisons produced by lower vertebrates; its effects are not life-threatening but nevertheless powerful enough to cause serious impairment to the victim, which can lead to temporary paralysis. It is not used as a method of disabling nor killing prey, and although it acts as a defensive mechanism, only males produce venom. Since production rises during the breeding season, it is theorised that the venom is used as an offensive weapon to assert dominance and to control territory during this period. While the Platypus may use this characteristic for offensive mating purposes, they also may have evolved to their environment and began using it for defensive techniques. Crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, and raptors are known local predictors to the platypus, all of which can be impacted by the venom.

The crural gland produces a venom secretion containing at least nineteen peptides; superadded by non-nitrogenous components. Those peptides that have been sequenced and identified fall into three categories: defensin-like peptides (OvDLPs), C-type natriuretic peptides (OvCNPs), and nerve growth factor (OvNGF). The OvDLPs are related to, though distinct from, those involved in reptilian venom production. This appears to be an example of convergent evolution of venom genes from existing immune system genes (defensins). A unique feature of the venom is the presence of a D-amino acid. This is the only known such example in mammalian systems.''' This venom appears to be connected to a number of species that are completely disconnected from the platypus; Another example of convergent evolution. The venom is related to that of certain fish, reptiles, insectivores, and spiders, sea anemones, and starfish.