Summary:
Venomous snake species like the coral snake each have a unique venom that consists of 50-200 toxic proteins. Due to the rules of natural selection and adaptation, genetic resistance to these venoms in the coral snake's prey would pass down through prey generations which would cause the coral snakes to adapt their venom to get around the resistance. Thus, the cycle of venom resistance in prey and changes in venom in snakes was supposed and in theory, this would lead to regional diversities in snake venom compositions. In other words, each population of coral snakes' venom would be varied because of the different cycles of adaptations in prey and predator in their respective regions. However, researchers have recently gathered many samples of eastern coral snake venom in different regions and surprisingly, have found no venom variation between them. This has been the first time anyone has looked at venom variation at this scale which disproves the theory of a co-evolutionary arm race between the coral snakes and their prey which would've caused species to diverge quickly. Currently, there is not an explanation as to what causes the lack of divergence, only speculation, but the results could help scientists develop antivenom for different species of snakes. Evidently, there are different forces that shape the development of snake venom, not the supposed adaptation cycle in prey and predator.
Relevance:
This article relates to the current unit because it incorporates a theory about the evolution and adaptation in different species in response to one another.
Citation:
Griffin, Catherine. "Deadly Coral Snake Venom Variety Has Unexpected Evolutionary Pattern." Science World Report. Science World Report, 08 Jan. 2015. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.
URL: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/21004/20150108/deadly-coral-snake-venom-variety-unexpected-evolutionary-pattern.htm
Griffin, Catherine. "Deadly Coral Snake Venom Variety Has Unexpected Evolutionary Pattern." Science World Report. Science World Report, 08 Jan. 2015. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.
URL: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/21004/20150108/deadly-coral-snake-venom-variety-unexpected-evolutionary-pattern.htm
What type of speculation are scientists making to try to explain this finding? Are the findings conclusive and have similar results been found in other species?
ReplyDeleteOne possible theory is that a small group of coral snakes were able to out compete the others due to advantages in their venom over their competitors. This would allow them to outcompete other varieties which through the generations, would eventually breed so that the species has one identical venom. Similar results have been found with the eastern diamondback rattlesnake but apart from that, there have yet to be more testings.
DeleteIs there research on the venom from more species of snakes, and if so how does that research add to the findings here?
ReplyDeleteThere was another test done for the eastern diamondback rattlesnake that yielded similar results. There have been no other tests yet.
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