 Although platypus venom has a broadly similar range of effects and is known to consist of a similar selection of substances to reptilian venom, it appears to have a different function from those poisons produced by lower vertebrates; its effects are not life-threatening but nevertheless powerful enough to cause serious impairment to the victim, which can lead to temporary paralysis.It is not used as a method of disabling nor killing prey, and although it acts as a defensive mechanism, only males produce venom.Since production rises during the breeding season it is theorised that it is used as an offensive weapon to assert dominance and control territory during this period.