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. This relationship has which of the following effects on 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 imitator salamander benefits from mimicking the red-cheeked salamander's warning signals without producing the costly toxins, gaining protection from predators. The red-cheeked salamander's population dynamics remain unaffected by the presence of the imitator, as the mimicry does not impact its survival or reproduction directly.

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