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= Defense Mechanisms = | = Defense Mechanisms = | ||
== '''Chemical Defense Mechanisms''' == | |||
* Toxins | |||
** Harmless to humans (except fire coral – can cause pain, inflammatory effects) | |||
** Most toxins are neurotoxins | |||
*** Interfere with signal transmission in animals’ nervous systems | |||
*** Three main types | |||
**** Saxitoxin – causes paralysis and respiratory failure | |||
**** Palytoxin - causes kidney, respiratory and heart failure | |||
**** Lophototoxin – causes muscle contractions, possibly paralysis and respiratory failure | |||
* Symbiotic Relationships | |||
** A close relationship between two species | |||
** Corals often live in symbiosis with bacteria and protists that produce toxins, using them for protection | |||
Revision as of 14:50, 27 February 2013
Defense Mechanisms
Chemical Defense Mechanisms
- Toxins
- Harmless to humans (except fire coral – can cause pain, inflammatory effects)
- Most toxins are neurotoxins
- Interfere with signal transmission in animals’ nervous systems
- Three main types
- Saxitoxin – causes paralysis and respiratory failure
- Palytoxin - causes kidney, respiratory and heart failure
- Lophototoxin – causes muscle contractions, possibly paralysis and respiratory failure
- Symbiotic Relationships
- A close relationship between two species
- Corals often live in symbiosis with bacteria and protists that produce toxins, using them for protection