defense mechanism, n.Trivia

Female dragonflies fake their own death to prevent rape.

Mentally healthy people tend to overrate themselves. Thus, the 'illusion of superiority' may be a protective mechanism for our self-esteem.

Some caterpillars can launch their poop up to two meters to defend themselves from predators.

Soldier termites have such enlarged jaws that they cannot feed themselves. The soldiers are fed by the worker termites whom they defend from ant attacks.

Leeches can sense incoming storm

Peacock flounders are so adept at camouflaging themselves that they can match the color of a checkerboard if placed on one.

Monkeys with smaller testicles scream louder to compensate.

The Atlas moth defends itself by imitating a snake's appearance and behavior. Along with convincing wing patterns, the moth will fall to the ground when threatened, and flop around to look like a writhing snake.

Laughing when being tickled is a defense mechanism kicking into gear, responding to panic and anxiety.

Zebra stripes act as a natural bug repellant, warding off horseflies

Horned lizards can shoot blood from their eyes.

Goosebumps are an evolutionary defense, making our ancestors appear more threatening to predators by making their hair stand up.

Moths vibrate their genitals to prevent a bat from locating them

Ladybugs squirt stinky liquids from their knees when frightened

The manchineel tree native to Florida are one of the most poisonous trees in the world. In fact, just touching the rain water that drips off of its leaves will burn your skin.

Goats have rectangular shaped pupils which provide them a panoramic view, protecting them against predators