Among Animals, Chemical Warfare*

Many insects, frogs, snakes, jellyfish and other phyletic characters use venoms and repellents. Mammals generally rely on teeth, claws, muscles or quick wits. But the rare mammal has discovered the wonders of chemistry. The African crested rat - large, furred and helmeted - is one such creature. It permeates its specialized pelt with potent toxins harvested from trees, as a recent report in the