South Africa #6: Grammar Lesson

There are so many random things that I am learning while here, some formally and some just by happenstance.  For example, today when asking about a bug that I saw, I learned that there is a difference between poisonous and venomous.  I never really thought about it before, but after it was pointed out, these two words really do mean two separate things.

The bug in question: a millipede.

The view when I asked this question.  I just love learning in the great outdoors!

Poisonous: when a toxin will cause harm if ingested or touched


Venomous: when a toxin will cause harm if injected (through a bite or sting, for example)


So, it is not correct to say that a snake or spider is poisonous...unless you plan to eat it I guess.


Later today, during a seminar, I learned that conservation and preservation mean different things.  Once again, I never had thought about there being a difference between them.

Conservation: the sustainable use of natural resources for this and future generations


Preservation: to maintain the present state of natural resources and areas of the Earth that have remained untouched by humans


In both cases, natural resources refers to land, wildlife, plants, air, water, and any substance that comes from the earth.


I never would have guessed that coming to South Africa would increase my understanding of the English language.  I wonder what I will learn tomorrow...