Ep 15. Weird Weapons

The Most Extreme season 4 episode 15 is titled ‘Weird Weapons’ and takes a look at some of the most unusual and unexpected weapons in the animal kingdom. From the armored body of the pangolin to the toxic venom of the cone snail, these creatures have evolved some truly bizarre methods of defense and attack.

The episode begins by introducing the pangolin, a small mammal covered in scales that resemble a suit of armor. Despite its appearance, the pangolin is not invincible, and predators like lions and hyenas have learned to attack it in vulnerable areas like the belly. However, the pangolin has a secret weapon: a long, sticky tongue that it can extend up to two feet to catch insects and other prey. This tongue is also useful for self-defense, as the pangolin can whip it around to fend off attackers.

Next, the episode focuses on the mantis shrimp, a colorful and charismatic marine creature known for its lightning-fast punches. With a punch force of up to 1500 Newtons, the mantis shrimp is one of the strongest animals in the world relative to its size. Its arms are so powerful that they can break glass and crack open crab shells with ease. The mantis shrimp's secret weapon is its unique punching mechanism, which involves a spring-loaded hinge that stores and releases energy like a coiled spring.

The episode then moves on to the cone snail, a small predatory snail that uses venomous harpoons to capture its prey. These harpoons are loaded with a complex cocktail of potent toxins, which the cone snail can modify to suit different types of prey. Some cone snails even have enough venom to kill a human in minutes. Despite their deadly reputation, cone snails are not aggressive towards humans and only use their venom as a last resort.

The episode also features some other unconventional weapons, such as the electric eel's high-voltage shocks and the bombardier beetle's explosive chemical spray. The electric eel can generate up to 600 volts of electricity, which it uses to stun prey and deter predators. Meanwhile, the bombardier beetle mixes two chemicals in its abdomen to create a boiling, noxious spray that can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius. This spray is used to fend off attackers and deter potential predators.

Overall, ‘Weird Weapons’ is a fascinating exploration of how animals have evolved unusual and sometimes extreme methods of defense and attack. From the armored pangolin to the explosive bombardier beetle, these creatures prove that nature is full of surprises.