What type of venom primarily targets and destroys red blood cells in *Crotalus oreganus*?
Answer
Hemotoxic venom
The venom composition of *Crotalus oreganus* is predominantly classified as hemotoxic. This classification indicates that the toxic components within the venom are specifically structured to attack and degrade red blood cells and the walls of blood vessels. This action leads to severe localized tissue damage at the bite site. While this mechanism is highly lethal to the snake's usual prey, which consists of small mammals, it represents the primary mechanism of danger posed to larger animals, including humans, following a bite.
Related Questions
What type of venom primarily targets and destroys red blood cells in *Crotalus oreganus*?What reproductive strategy characterizes the Western Rattlesnake concerning the development of its young?What is the conservation listing for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake in Washington State?What specialized sensory organs do *Crotalus oreganus* possess between the eye and nostril?What unusual preparatory step occurs regarding prey digestion after *Crotalus oreganus* strikes?What is the primary, long-distance defense mechanism employed by *Crotalus oreganus*?Which specific name identifies *Crotalus oreganus* populations in Washington and Oregon?What small mammals form the core of the diet for *Crotalus oreganus*?What state of winter inactivity do *Crotalus oreganus* enter, often using communal dens?What might occur when *C. oreganus* delivers a defensive strike against a human?