Adaptations to Toxicity


We live in a world that surrounds us with poison. Plants, looking to their own best interests, produce an incredible array of toxic concoctions. Human industry has presented us with harmful compounds previously unknown in nature, like DDT and PCB's. Even essential nutrients, like salt and vitamins, can be toxic if given at the right dose. As Paracelsus the physician once said, "All substances are poisons, there is none which is not a poison." And yet, toxic as our environment is, some animals have come up with astounding adaptations that allow them to find their niche amongst these deadly plants. Come meet these incredible survivors:



This series of web pages was created by Carrie Golash, an undergraduate student at Cornell University for the AS625 class. All comments and suggestions are welcome.

WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.


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