Which gender of *B. jararaca* exhibits greater potency regarding hemorrhagic and hyaluronidasic venom activities?
Answer
Females
A remarkable aspect of *B. jararaca* biology is the sexual dimorphism observed not just in physical size—where females are larger—but also in the functional characteristics of their venom. While male venom demonstrates higher potency in coagulant, phospholipasic, and myotoxic activities, the venom produced by females is specifically noted to be more potent in terms of hemorrhagic effects (causing bleeding) and hyaluronidasic activities (enzymes that break down connective tissue). This suggests an evolutionary specialization where the venom profiles of the genders may target slightly different physiological systems or prey types.
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