Citation
Tetrodotoxin resistance in garter snakes: An evolutionary response of predators to dangerous prey
TL;DR
Garter snakes evolved TTX resistance through sodium channel mutations
This paper documented one of the most dramatic examples of a predator-prey arms race: the escalating toxicity of newts and resistance of snakes. The research showed that resistance varies geographically based on local newt toxicity, demonstrating how arms races create geographic mosaics of adaptation.
For business, this illustrates that defensive capabilities (resistance) come with costs (slower locomotion) - companies must weigh the cost of competitive defenses against their benefits.
Key Findings from III & Jr. (1990)
- Garter snakes evolved TTX resistance through sodium channel mutations
- Resistance varies geographically with local newt toxicity
- Resistance is costly - resistant snakes are slower crawlers
- Arms race creates geographic mosaic of escalation intensity