Study: Frog Color Hints at Evolution Speed
Study: Frog Color Hints at Evolution Speed
August 24, 2012 12:23PM
Tulane University researchers are studying the evolutionary changes of poison dart frogs. In Panama, poison dart frogs have diversified to have skin with a variety of intense colors, including blue, green, red, orange, white and spotted. Their coloration indicates toxicity and is an advertisement of sorts, saying "do not attempt to eat!"
Tiny poison dart frogs living wild in Panama, known for their brilliant colors, may provide clues about relatively rapid biodiversification, researchers say.
The major defense mechanism of the poison dart frogs is aposematism, the combination of toxicity and bright coloration, researchers at Tulane University said.
In Panama, poison dart frogs have diversified to have skin with a variety of intense colors, including blue, green, red, orange, white and spotted, they said.
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