Animal World: The Most Incredible Defense Techniques
Some run at great speed, others hide; there are those who blend in with the environment and those who pretend to be dead. The defense techniques of the animal world are truly incredible. In this article we tell you the most curious ones!
The most fabulous defense techniques of the animal world
There is no doubt that ‘nature is wise’ and that it has endowed each species with a specific characteristic. In case they lack the ability to attack, their sense of survival has allowed them to develop some of the different defense techniques of the animal kingdom that surprise us so much:
1. Opossum
The opossum – which we can admire in the photo that opens this article – is not a rodent particularly loved by people. Probably because it is not very nice and because it likes to rummage through the garbage and gives off a strong enough smell.
However, we cannot deny that it is a more than cunning mammal: when it realizes that there is imminent danger … it pretends to be dead! For this reason he throws himself into the ground, opens his mouth, sticks out his tongue and closes his eyes. He remains motionless for several minutes during which his heart almost slows to a stop and his breathing rate also slows down.
2. Puffer fish
Also known as ‘sea porcupine’ it is a fish whose defense technique is to expand its body to appear larger than it actually is. When threatened, it swells like a ball, scaring off possible predators.
How does he do it? It expands its stomach, which is very elastic, when it swallows a large amount of water in seconds. The puffer fish can multiply its normal size and some subspecies also feature spines which make them even more dangerous.
3. Lizard
Most lizards have the ability to ‘tear off their tails’ whenever they feel they are in danger. In this way, when for example a bird catches them by grabbing them from behind, their tails come off as if by magic.
The most curious thing of all is that after a short time … He grows a new one! In this way they can continue to defend themselves from the attacks of the main predators. Obviously this is not the only technique of one of the smallest reptiles in the world: in fact, the lizard also has the ability to blend in with the environment that surrounds it (mainly woods and forests).
4. Electric eel
Who wants to attack an animal that in front of the first hint of danger launches electric shocks that can reach up to 700 v? Not even the human being is so brave! The electric eel is one of the most dangerous fish that inhabit the seas due to its defense technique.
In fact, to defend himself he uses a group of special cells that dot his entire body – which can be up to two meters long – and the discharges have more or less voltage, depending on the area. In this way, in addition to defending itself, it ‘sleeps’ its prey. It can keep the discharge for about a minute!
5. Skunk
Among the various defense techniques of the animal kingdom, that of expelling liquids with nauseating odors is quite used. The skunk, however, is the ‘queen’ of this mechanism. When a suspicious being approaches, this mammal, which looks so tender, releases a fetid-smelling fluid from its anal gland.
Not only does this smell cause nausea in the human being but, upon coming into contact with the eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. Even if we don’t want to hurt him, the skunk will react this way!
