Red-cheeked salamanders are partially protected from predators because of cardiac glycosides they produce from glands on their back. When ingested, cardiac glycosides disrupt normal heart rhythms. A different salamander species, the imitator salamander, also has red cheek patches, but does not produce cardiac glycosides. It does gain protection from predators that have learned to avoid red-cheeked salamanders. How does this relationship affect the population dynamics of both species?
A) Both species are negatively affected.
B) Both species are positively affected.
C) The red-cheeked salamander is positively affected; the imitator is negatively affected.
D) The red-cheeked salamander is not affected; the imitator is positively affected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The red-cheeked salamander is not affected by the presence of the imitator salamander, while the imitator salamander benefits from the mimicry, gaining protection from predators without producing cardiac glycosides.

Red-Cheeked Salamanders Are Partially Protected from Predators Because of Cardiac