Final answer:
A venomous species produces venom, which is a toxic substance injected through a bite or sting. This venom has medical potential, as seen in drugs developed from the Brazilian viper's venom for hypertension, and research into other animal venoms for various treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a species is described as venomous, it means it produces a specialized secretion known as venom. This venom is a type of poison that can cause harm to other organisms. Unlike general poisons, venom is injected into another organism through a bite or sting. This characteristic is what distinguishes venomous creatures, such as some snakes and spiders, from those that are merely poisonous, where toxins have to be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
Considering the Brazilian viper, also known as Bothrops jararaca, its venom can cause a sudden, massive drop in blood pressure, which can be deadly. Medicinal research has found inspiration in these powerful natural compounds. For instance, the effect of the Brazilian viper's venom has been utilized in the development of drugs to treat conditions like hypertension, by creating medications that mimic the blood pressure-lowering effect.
Similarly, other animal venoms and poisons have been the subject of medicinal research, leading to FDA-approved drugs for chronic pain, diabetes, and more. Compounds such as latrotoxins from the black widow spider have informed treatments that manage neurological symptoms. This demonstrates the breadth of potential that venom has for developing life-saving medications.