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The Remarkable Alcohol Tolerance of Oriental Wasps
Numerous species, including humans, have shown an affinity for alcohol in various forms; however, excessive intake can lead to significant health issues. A notable exception to this trend is the Oriental wasp. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that these wasps can consume vast quantities of ethanol at high concentrations without experiencing any negative effects—remarkably, they do not even exhibit signs of intoxication.
Unique Adaptations for Ethanol Consumption
“To our knowledge, Oriental hornets are unique among animals in their ability to utilize alcohol as a metabolic energy source,” stated Eran Levin, a co-author from Tel Aviv University. “They show no indications of intoxication or health complications after consuming large amounts of alcohol over extended periods and are able to metabolize it rapidly.”
The Drunken Monkey Hypothesis and Its Implications
According to Levin and colleagues, there exists a theory known as the “drunken monkey hypothesis”. This theory suggests that while some animals may be well-suited for low levels of ethanol in their diets, they can suffer adverse effects when exposed to higher concentrations. For instance, research indicates that tree shrews tolerate ethanol levels up to 3.8 percent; however, when subjected to laboratory conditions with concentrations exceeding 10 percent, they risk liver damage.
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