Organism
Swallowtail Butterflies
TL;DR
Specialized on Apiaceae plants (carrots, parsley, fennel) by evolving detoxification mechanisms that neutralize furanocoumarins - toxic compounds that deter most herbivores.
Specialized on Apiaceae plants (carrots, parsley, fennel) by evolving detoxification mechanisms that neutralize furanocoumarins - toxic compounds that deter most herbivores. This co-evolutionary relationship with plants exemplifies Ehrlich and Raven's escape-and-radiate model: plants evolve toxins, butterflies evolve detoxification, plants evolve higher toxin concentrations, butterflies evolve more efficient detoxification.
Notable Traits of Swallowtail Butterflies
- Detoxification of furanocoumarins
- Specialized on toxic Apiaceae plants