Organism
Common Garter Snake
TL;DR
Preys on toxic newts and evolved TTX resistance through specific mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels.
Preys on toxic newts and evolved TTX resistance through specific mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels. Resistance varies geographically: snakes in populations sympatric with highly toxic newts are highly resistant; snakes where newts are absent are less resistant. Resistance is costly - resistant snakes are slower crawlers, a fitness cost that only pays off where toxic newts are present.
Notable Traits of Common Garter Snake
- TTX resistance via sodium channel mutations
- Resistance correlates with local newt toxicity
- Resistance costly - slower locomotion