Man as a biological species and as a member of the community of organisms that has evolved over the billions ofyears on this planet has to face competition for his resources in the same way as any other species. In the course of evolution organisms have developed a fascinating variety of weapons, techniques and strategies in this competitive scramble for food and other essential resources and in se1f-defense against parasitism and predation. Among these, the biosynthesis of toxic molecules and their appropriate delivery in interspecific encounters has proved to be one of the most successful...