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In the animal world, they live by the laws of survival. The strong survive. Animals have many different defense mechanisms that can protect them against predators or gain them an evening meal.
Some methods of defense are passive, using disguises and deceit to fool its enemy into retreat. One method used in this type of defense is camouflage. Some animals can change their own coloring to match their surroundings.
Others are born with the coloring that will allow them to blend into their native surroundings. The white coat of the arctic fox and the polar bear provide excellent cover against the white snow of its homeland. In comparison, the bright green color of the tree frog help it to blend in with brightly colored leaves. Another passive method of defense ,used by the cuttle fish and the squid is called ejection. By using the ejection method, these animals eject a black inky fluid, in which it can hide from its predators. In an unusual twist on this method, the sea cucumber actually squirts out its innards, growing a new stomach after the danger has passed.
A more direct line of defense would be actual weapons, evolved over thousands of years that best defend each animal. One very obvious “weapon” is the antler, tusk or horn. Antlers, mostly found in the deer family, which includes elk, caribou and moose, are used to charge and duel with an enemy. Horns, like those found on goats, water buffalo and sheep are used in much the same way as the antler, by charging and locking horns with a competitor or piercing the skin of an enemy. once again tusks are used in basically the same way antlers and horns are, by elephants, warthogs and walruses, to name a few. Another weapon found in the animal world are claws. Many animals have claws that are so sharp they will cut through flesh on the first swipe. A few of these animals are the bear, many members of the bird family including owls, and falcons, and all members of the cat family. One downfall of this type of defense is that to be effective they must be used at close range.
On the other side of the coin, a few animals have the ability to ward off predators at long range. One such animal is the skunk. Known for its putrid odor, the skunk can drive away enemies by using its powerful scent glands. Other animals who use this method are weasels, foxes, snakes, mink, and wolverines.
Many of the features common to most animals can be used in defense, including the feet, tongue and tail. Many animals have developed large powerful feet which they use to kick or stomp on their enemies, such as the rabbit, elephant and kangaroo. Also used for defense by the kangaroo is the tail. Strong and powerful, it is primarily used for balance, but can also be swung to knock an opponent off balance. Lizards use this method also. Other types of lizards, as well as anteaters, chameleons, and frogs use their tongues to catch prey.
As you can see, nature has provided animals with many means of defense and attack, but perhaps the most surprising method is explosion...yes, explosion. Certain types of ants will explode in the face of the enemy to save the rest of the colony. Now that’s what I call “defense”!!
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