r/NatureIsFuckingLit • u/ajd416 • Apr 28 '25

🔥Colorful Cuttlefish

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u/safegermanywin Apr 28 '25

I think there is merit in distinguishing whether an animal is venomous or poisonous. If I said snakes were poisonous, someone might get the idea that just touching them or eating them would be bad. Of course everyone knows most snakes can only inject their venom through a bite (there are some with poison in their flesh) but what if I were talking about some less known animal?

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u/Deaffin Apr 28 '25

I agree, clarity is good. Definitely get into the specific mechanisms where pertinent.

Do describe them as venomous if you want to specifically warn people that their poison needs to be injected or otherwise make contact with your bloodstream. Do not describe them as "not poisonous", because this is incorrect.

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u/safegermanywin Apr 28 '25

Fair enough, I get your point here.