eli5: Why do snakes have such potent venom when the prey they eat are normally small in comparison?

Question

I’m from northern Australia and we have many snakes that can easily kill humans, cattle and other live stock. The power of these snakes venom seems overkill for what is required?

In: 139

Answer 1

It leaves no room for error. If the prey is bitten, the prey is dying. No ifs, no buts. Personally, I’m in favour of the ‘overkill method’. Going all-out to overwhelm your objective, beyond what is necessary, is a good tactic.