Poison shyness
Encyclopedia
Poison shyness - a behavioural phenomenon observed in animals.
When pest control
(by means of poison
ed baits) is in use some animals (insect
s and mammal
s alike), which previously ingested sublethal doses of poison can subsequently detect and therefore avoid these poisoned baits in the future.
It is believed, that the animals can make the connection between the odour of the toxic substance (released partially by the chemical processes occurring in food) and its toxicity - this allows them to detect and avoid the poison next time. In order to prevent this, a special form of poison is used. Namely, the chemical compound is not toxic as such and it is odourless. When the food is ingested, the active component is transported to liver
, where it is in vivo
oxidised to a toxic substance, which then kills the animal. With such a solution the animal cannot make the connection between the smell of the food and its toxicity, hence prevents occurring of the poison shyness.
When pest control
Pest control
Pest control refers to the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest, usually because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's health, the ecology or the economy.-History:...
(by means of poison
Poison
In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism....
ed baits) is in use some animals (insect
Insect
Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...
s and mammal
Mammal
Mammals are members of a class of air-breathing vertebrate animals characterised by the possession of endothermy, hair, three middle ear bones, and mammary glands functional in mothers with young...
s alike), which previously ingested sublethal doses of poison can subsequently detect and therefore avoid these poisoned baits in the future.
It is believed, that the animals can make the connection between the odour of the toxic substance (released partially by the chemical processes occurring in food) and its toxicity - this allows them to detect and avoid the poison next time. In order to prevent this, a special form of poison is used. Namely, the chemical compound is not toxic as such and it is odourless. When the food is ingested, the active component is transported to liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
, where it is in vivo
In vivo
In vivo is experimentation using a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial or dead organism, or an in vitro controlled environment. Animal testing and clinical trials are two forms of in vivo research...
oxidised to a toxic substance, which then kills the animal. With such a solution the animal cannot make the connection between the smell of the food and its toxicity, hence prevents occurring of the poison shyness.