Rough-skinned newts and common garter snakes are in an "evolutionary arms race." In this phenomenon, two species continually evolve adaptations against one another to increase their own chance of survival. Rough-skinned newts produce tetrodotoxin, a type of poison, as a defense mechanism. Most common garter snakes have some resistance to the toxin. In areas where common garter snakes and rough-skinned newts coexist, rough-skinned newts express very high levels of tetrodotoxin, and common garter snakes have evolved a very high degree of resistance to tetrodotoxin.

Based on this information, what is the most likely relationship between common garter snakes and rough-skinned newts?

A.

commensalism

B.

predator and prey

C.

facultative mutualism

D.

obligate parasitism

Question

Biology

Patrick Pineda

26 May, 09:14

Rough-skinned newts and common garter snakes are in an "evolutionary arms race." In this phenomenon, two species continually evolve adaptations against one another to increase their own chance of survival. Rough-skinned newts produce tetrodotoxin, a type of poison, as a defense mechanism. Most common garter snakes have some resistance to the toxin. In areas where common garter snakes and rough-skinned newts coexist, rough-skinned newts express very high levels of tetrodotoxin, and common garter snakes have evolved a very high degree of resistance to tetrodotoxin.

Based on this information, what is the most likely relationship between common garter snakes and rough-skinned newts?

A.

commensalism

B.

predator and prey

C.

facultative mutualism

D.

obligate parasitism

+1

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Tate Huff · Answer 1

B. Predator and Prey

Explanation:

Took the test

Devyn Chen · Answer 2

The correct answer is : B.

Explanation:

The rough-skinned newts and common garter snakes exhibit a Prey-Predator relationship. Here, the newt is the prey for the predator which is the snake. The newt produces chemical substances which are toxic for the snakes so that they can avoid attack by the snakes. In response, the snakes produce other chemical substances that can neutralise the toxic effect of the newt's toxins.