Understanding the role of poison in nature helps us appreciate the complexity of ecosystems and the delicate balance of life.
Poison is a common and fascinating defense mechanism in nature, used by a variety of plants, animals, fungi, and even microorganisms to protect themselves from predators, compete for resources, or capture prey.
In plants, poisons like alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins deter herbivores and prevent infection by pathogens. For example, the deadly nightshade plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause severe illness or death if ingested. Hemlock (which was spotted on hiking trails in Colorado this summer - see first photo above), is a deadly plant that can be dangerous to humans and dogs.
Fungi also play a role in the natural world of poisons. Some mushrooms, such as the infamous death cap (Amanita phalloides), or the Amanjita muscaria (the red one shown in the photo above), contain lethal toxins that can cause organ failure in humans and other animals if consumed.
Even microorganisms like bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to other organisms. For example, botulinum toxin, one of the most potent neurotoxins known, can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness.
While poison is often associated with danger, it also has important roles in ecosystems and has even been harnessed by humans for various purposes. Many poisons from nature have been studied and used in medicine, such as digitalis from foxglove plants, which is used to treat heart conditions, or botulinum toxin, which is used in small doses for medical and cosmetic procedures.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science opened their new exhibit The Power of Poison this summer (runs through January 25, 2025 ), which explores the many paradoxes of poison. The exhibit is free with general Museum admission and takes a comprehensive view of the two sides of poison - dangerous and beneficial (in very small doses).
DMNS Press Release on The Power of Poison contains additional details about everything included in this fascinating exhibit.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science web page about the exhibit, including an "exhibition walkthrough", is here.
In plants, poisons like alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins deter herbivores and prevent infection by pathogens. For example, the deadly nightshade plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause severe illness or death if ingested. Hemlock (which was spotted on hiking trails in Colorado this summer - see first photo above), is a deadly plant that can be dangerous to humans and dogs.
Fungi also play a role in the natural world of poisons. Some mushrooms, such as the infamous death cap (Amanita phalloides), or the Amanjita muscaria (the red one shown in the photo above), contain lethal toxins that can cause organ failure in humans and other animals if consumed.
Even microorganisms like bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to other organisms. For example, botulinum toxin, one of the most potent neurotoxins known, can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness.
While poison is often associated with danger, it also has important roles in ecosystems and has even been harnessed by humans for various purposes. Many poisons from nature have been studied and used in medicine, such as digitalis from foxglove plants, which is used to treat heart conditions, or botulinum toxin, which is used in small doses for medical and cosmetic procedures.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science opened their new exhibit The Power of Poison this summer (runs through January 25, 2025 ), which explores the many paradoxes of poison. The exhibit is free with general Museum admission and takes a comprehensive view of the two sides of poison - dangerous and beneficial (in very small doses).
DMNS Press Release on The Power of Poison contains additional details about everything included in this fascinating exhibit.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science web page about the exhibit, including an "exhibition walkthrough", is here.