0 Most Unusual Survival Tactics Found in Nature
The fight or flight response in biology is a well-known concept where an organism reacts to a perceived danger by either confronting it or running away. Nature has some intriguing methods for dealing with these types of threats. Here are eleven examples of animals with peculiar defense mechanisms.
10-Flying fish
Many creatures have the ability to fly, but this characteristic is not typically associated with fish. Flying fish are able to jump out of the water and fly or glide for long distances. This is used as a defense mechanism to escape predators. The flying fish has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that allows it to build up enough energy to break the surface of the water. To get out of the water, the fish swims at speeds of up to 37 miles (60 km) per hour. The fish's pectoral fins have transformed into large wings that allow it to take to the air. Once out of the water, it can fly up to 656 feet (200 meters), using its tail fin as a sort of propeller. In 2008 in Japan, a flying fish was observed gliding for a record of 45 seconds
9-Myxin
The Hagfish is a unique creature that has been present for 300 million years. It is the only animal that has a skull but no vertebrae. When threatened, it releases a large amount of a sticky, foul-smelling slime that can expand to up to 5 gallons (20 liters) when mixed with water, which creates a distraction for predators and allows the Hagfish to escape. This slime can also clog the gills of fish. The threads that make up the Hagfish's slime are much stronger than nylon, which scientists believe could have potential industrial uses.
8-Potato Beetle
The Hagfish is a unique creature that has been present for 300 million years. It is the only animal that has a skull but no vertebrae. When threatened, it releases a large amount of a sticky, foul-smelling slime that can expand to up to 5 gallons (20 liters) when mixed with water, which creates a distraction for predators and allows the Hagfish to escape. This slime can also clog the gills of fish. The threads that make up the Hagfish's slime are much stronger than nylon, which scientists believe could have potential industrial uses.
7-Boxer Crab
The Boxer crab, when facing significant danger, wields a formidable defense using sea anemones attached to its claws. These anemones, which resemble pom-poms, can be lethal to other sea creatures and pack a potent sting. The crab waves its claws in a threatening manner to deter potential threats. This symbiotic relationship is mutually beneficial, with the crab gaining a formidable defense and the anemone increased mobility and access to food. The crab also uses sponges and corals as an alternative to anemones.
6-Eurasian Roller
The Eurasian roller's young, similar to the Potato beetle, protect themselves by covering themselves in their own bodily fluid. However, instead of using their own fluids, the roller's offspring use vomit as a shield. The vomit-covered chicks have a foul odor, making them less attractive to predators. The parents are able to detect the smell of the vomit and quickly return to the nest to defend their young from potential threats such as birds of prey or snakes. This is the only bird species known to use vomit as a form of communication.
5-Sea Cucumber
The sea cucumber employs a revolting defense mechanism when threatened. Upon disturbance, it expels its organs, including its intestines, through its anus in a sticky mass towards the attacker. This both confounds and repels the enemy. Some sea cucumber species even produce a toxic substance called holothurin in their intestines. The sea cucumber's body then contracts violently to forcefully expel its organs. This process does not harm the sea cucumber, and its organs are able to regrow within six week
4-Turkey Vulture
The Turkey vulture has a unique strategy to fend off predators: by expelling the contents of its stomach through regurgitation. This can be used as a form of distraction by offering food or repelling the predator with the foul smell. Additionally, the vulture gains an advantage by being able to flee more quickly as it becomes lighter. However, the smell of the vomit is often enough to deter most predators. Despite this, some desperate animals may still consume the acidic vomit, despite the risk of being burned.
3-apetella heathi Octopus
The Japetella heathi octopus is found at depths of 600-1000 meters in the ocean. To avoid detection from predators, it has adapted to be almost completely transparent, except for its eyes and gut which are reflective to reduce shadows. However, this transparency makes it visible to bioluminescent predators such as angler fish. To counter this, the octopus has the ability to quickly change its color to red, reducing its reflectivity and making it invisible to the angler fish. Once the threat is gone, it reverts back to being transparent
2-Iberian Ribbed Newt
The Iberian ribbed newt, found on the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, has a unique defense mechanism where it pushes its ribs through the skin to ward off attackers. The process causes no pain to the newt and at the same time, a poisonous substance is secreted through pores on the skin which can even cause death to the attacker. This defense mechanism proves to be very effective.
1-Malaysian Exploding Ant
The defense mechanism of the Iberian ribbed newt is not harmful to itself, but the same cannot be said for the Malaysian exploding ant. These ants protect their colony by detonating themselves. They have two large glands containing a toxic chemical that cover their body. When threatened, the ant will flex its muscles, causing the glands to rupture and spew a sticky, toxic fluid from its head. This substance not only obstructs the attacker but also causes severe irritation and corrosion, potentially killing the attacker.