Final answer:
Predatory insects and spiders commonly inject venom or digestive enzymes into their prey, immobilizing or aiding in the digestion of the prey. Venom acts as a toxin that can paralyze or kill prey and has potential uses in medical research. Scorpions and certain snakes are examples of creatures that use venom in predation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When predatory insects and spiders bite their prey, they commonly inject venom or digestive enzymes into the bitten area. This substance plays a crucial role in subduing or digesting their prey. Venom is a toxin produced by organisms that is injected by a bite or sting, acting on multiple levels, such as causing paralysis, breaking down tissues for digestion, or defending the predator from threats.
For example, the venom from a Brazilian viper (Bothropsjararaca) causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure, leading to the quick subduing of the prey. Similarly, spiders inject venom to protect themselves or to kill their prey, and their bites can be harmful to humans only in rare cases involving approximately 200 species. Scorpions also use venom, injected through their tails, to kill or paralyze their prey before consumption.
The insertion of venom can have implications for medical research and treatments. For instance, the effects of snake venom have been studied to develop drugs that can manage blood pressure or pain.