Defensive vomiting refers to the use of emesis by animals to defend against ingested pathogens or against predators.
In humans
editVomiting serves an evolutionary purpose for humans by preventing the ingestion of something harmful, and by expelling noxious substances once ingested.[1]
Vomiting excessive amounts of alcohol is an attempt by the body to prevent alcohol poisoning and death. Vomiting may also be caused by other drugs, such as opiates, or toxins found in some foods and plants. Food allergies and sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, can cause vomiting.[2]
Morning sickness may have a defensive purpose. One professor has posited that morning sickness discourages pregnant women from eating meat and strong-tasting vegetables, which may contain toxins and microorganisms. If ingested, the fetus might be harmed in the first 18 weeks of pregnancy.[3]
In animals
editTurkey vultures will vomit to dispel any disturbing animal. They can propel their vomit up to 10 feet (3.0 m).[4]
The European roller, a much smaller bird found in parts of Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, uses vomit in a different way. A baby European roller will vomit a foul-smelling orange liquid onto itself to turn away a predator. The smell also warns the parents to return to the nest, and to be wary of predators.[5]
See also
edit- Area postrema, the part of the brain that controls vomiting
- Chemoreceptor trigger zone, the part of the area postrema that relays signals through the blood-brain barrier
References
edit- ^ "Why rats don't vomit". www.ratbehavior.org. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ^ "Nausea and vomiting causes". www.mayoclinic.org. The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ^ Lang, Susan (June 25, 2008). "Morning sickness is pregnancy 'wellness insurance,' says Cornell professor". Cornell University. Cornell Chronicle. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
- ^ "Turkey Vulture". Washington Nature Mapping Program. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- ^ ""Vomit Bird" Throws Up a Defense Against Predators". Discovery News. Discovery Channel. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2014.