If a weasel is cornered, what defensive chemical similarity does it share with skunks regarding its means of repelling danger?
Answer
Skunks
When directly threatened, weasels possess a chemical defense mechanism analogous to that utilized by skunks. They have specialized anal glands capable of producing and spraying a thick, oily, yellowish fluid. This substance emits an extremely powerful and foul odor designed to deter a perceived danger or predator. This shared trait highlights an instance of convergent evolution for chemical defense among related, or sometimes distantly related, mammalian groups facing similar threats.
Related Questions
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