This is The Detail's Long Read – one in-depth story read by us every weekend
This week, it's Weaponised, written by Kate Evans and published in NZ Geographic magazine's July-August issue.
You can read the full story, including illustrations by Giselle Clarkson, by picking up a copy of NZ Geographic magazine, or on the NZ Geographic website.
Evolution is an arms race writ large—nature red in tooth and claw. With each generation, predators and prey refine their aggressive weapons and defensive armour, while males wield increasingly strange appendages in their battles over mating rights.
Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.