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Poison vs. venom: What's the difference? - Rose Eveleth

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TEDEd Animation

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Would you rather be bitten by a venomous rattlesnake or touch a poisonous dart frog? While both of these animals are capable of doing some serious damage to the human body, they deliver their dangerous toxins in different ways. Rose Eveleth sheds light on the distinction between poison and venom (and why you shouldn't treat either one like you've seen in the movies).

If you eat a puffer fish, are you likely to be poisoned or the victim of venom? Explain your answer.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Rose Eveleth
  • Director Franz Palomares
  • Animation Artist Celeste Lai
  • Narrator Rose Eveleth

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