Use the following information to answer the question.
"Marine cone snails from the genus Conus are estimated to consist of up to 700 species. These predatory molluscs have devised an efficient venom apparatus that allows them to successfully capture polychaete worms, other molluscs, or in some cases fish as their primary food sources. ?. . . conotoxins from Australian species of Conus . . . have the capacity to inhibit specifically the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in higher animals." (B. G. Livett, K. R. Gayler, and Z. Khalil. 2004. Drugs from the sea: Conopeptides as potential therapeutics. Current Medicinal Chemistry 11:1715-23.)
What is the adaptive value of this toxin?
I.It would cause muscle spasms in the prey.
II.It would result in paralysis of the skeletal muscle of the prey.
III.It would stimulate digestive tract smooth muscle to cause nausea and vomiting of the prey.
A) only I
B) only II
C) only III
D) only I and II

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The adaptive value of the conotoxins is that it results in paralysis of the skeletal muscle of the prey, making it easier for the snail to capture and consume its food. Option I is incorrect because muscle spasms would actually make it harder for the snail to consume the prey. Option III is incorrect because stimulation of the digestive tract smooth muscle would have no benefit to the snail in terms of capturing its prey.

Use the Following Information to Answer the Question