Silicon Valley Novel

The most commonly accepted measure of venom toxicity is called “LD50.” Using this standard, toxicity is measured by the amount of venom needed to kill laboratory mice. (Pity the poor mice in these experiments!)  Note that “most toxic” doesn’t equate to “most dangerous.” Danger to humans also depends on many other factors, like –

·         how much venom is injected by a single bite,

·         whether the snake generally behaves in an aggressive way,

·         how fast a snake moves (so you have time to escape) and

·         how quickly the toxins act (so there is time to inject the victim with anti-toxin medicine).

Questions – 

·         Which type of snake is responsible for the most human deaths each year, even though it isn’t the most venomous?

·        You may be surprised to learn that the #1 most venemous snake in the world seldom injects humans with poison when it bites them. Where does this snake go to hunt for food?
Hint – it can hold its breath for up to 8 hours. 

Assignment – Find the answers by watching the YouTube video below, posted by the Mother Nature Channel –