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Woodrats' genes protect them from rattlesnake venom (Level A1) — a brown snake on a branch with a black background

Woodrats' genes protect them from rattlesnake venomCEFR A1

20 Dec 2025

Adapted from U. Michigan, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Harshit Suryawanshi, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
74 words
  • Woodrats can survive venomous rattlesnake bites in nature.
  • They are small rodents that weigh very little.
  • A genetic change gives them extra protection.
  • Scientists looked at a family of genes.
  • Some genes in the family can bind venom.
  • Other gene versions do not bind venom.
  • Copying of genes can make new versions.
  • This change helps woodrats survive snake attacks.
  • Researchers want to understand how this works.
  • The findings may explain animal resistance to venom.

Difficult words

  • venomoushas poison in its bite or sting
  • geneticrelated to genes or DNA in organisms
  • bindto join or stick to something
  • copyto make the same thing again
    Copying
  • resistanceability to stop harm from a poison or disease

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you seen a snake before?
  • Are you afraid of snakes?
  • Would you like to learn about genes?

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