Rough-skinned newts and common garter snakes are in an "evolutionary arms race." In this phenomenon, two species continually evo
lve 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
In the context of evolutionary biology, coevolution refers to the evolution of at least two species, which occurs in a mutually dependent manner. ... An example is the coevolution of flowering plants and associated pollinators (e.g., bees, birds, and other insect species)
