What complex cocktail constitutes the highly potent venom of the yellow-bellied sea snake?
Answer
Neurotoxins and isotoxins
The effectiveness of the snake's ambush hunting method is directly reliant on the immediate immobilization of its prey. To achieve this rapid paralysis, the yellow-bellied sea snake utilizes highly potent venom delivered through short, fixed fangs. This complex cocktail is specifically composed of neurotoxins and isotoxins. The extreme potency of these toxins is necessary to ensure that the captured fish is immediately paralyzed and cannot escape before the snake can secure and swallow it whole. This rapid action is crucial for an energy-conserving ambush predator.
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