Abstract
The ability to identify and accurately measure traits at the phenotypic interface of potential coevolutionary interactions is critical in documenting reciprocal evolutionary change between species. We quantify the defensive chemical trait of a prey species, the newt Taricha granulosa, thought to be part of a coevolationary arms race. Variation in newt toxicity among populations results from variation in levels of the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX). Individual variation in TTX levels occurs within populations. Although TTX exists as a family of stereoisomers, only two of these (TTX and 6-epi- TTX) are likely to be sufficiently toxic and abundant to play a role in the defensive ecology of the newt.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2161-2175 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Chemical Ecology |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1999 |
Keywords
- Arms race
- Caudata
- Coevolution
- Predator-prey
- Taricha granulosa
- Tetrodotoxin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Biochemistry