The Difference Between Poison And Venom Explained

Would you rather be bitten by a venomous rattlesnake or touch a poisonous dart frog?

In this Ted-Ed lesson, educator Rose Eveleth explains the difference between poison and venom with the use of animation.

The difference between poison and venom is purely in its method of delivery. Poison has to be inhaled, ingested or absorbed. Venom has to be injected into a wound. Chemically, venoms and poisons are both considered toxins, so a snake bite is venomous, a poison dart frog is poisonous.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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