Organism
Rough-skinned Newt
TL;DR
Produces tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most potent neurotoxins known - the same toxin in pufferfish.
Produces tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most potent neurotoxins known - the same toxin in pufferfish. TTX concentration varies dramatically across populations, with the most toxic population (Oregon's Willamette Valley) containing approximately 10,000 mouse units. This 50-fold variation reflects local predation pressure from garter snakes, creating a geographic mosaic arms race.
Notable Traits of Rough-skinned Newt
- Produces tetrodotoxin
- TTX concentration varies 50-fold across populations
- Geographic mosaic of toxicity