Today on the Buntzen Lake Trail, I saw a little Rough-skinned Newt. It was on Pump House Road, just steps from the bridge. When I posted this on Flickr, someone thought it was a Western Redback Salamander, but Ivan Phillipsen, of Wild Pacific Northwest, informed me that it was a Rough-skinned Newt.
It blended in with the road so well, I almost walked right past it.
Luckily, I took my good camera today so I could get a good shot.
After I finishing taking my photos, I used a stick to take him to the side of the trail. He was stiff as a board. I hope that is a defence mechanism !
This amphibian is much more commonly seen than the Western Red-backed Salamander, because the newt walks around in the open, whereas the salamander is much more secretive.
Toxin-resistant garter snakes are the only known animals today that can eat a rough-skinned newt and survive.
In evolutionary theory, the relationship between the rough-skinned newt and the common garter snake is considered an example of co-evolution. The mutations in the snake’s genes that conferred resistance to the toxin have resulted in a selective pressure that flavors newts which produce more potent levels of toxin. Increases in newt toxicity then apply a selective pressure favouring snakes with mutations conferring even greater resistance. This cycle of a predator and prey evolving to one another is sometimes termed an evolutionary arms race and has resulted in the newts producing levels of toxin far in excess of what is needed to kill any other conceivable predator.
This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, thanks. “Management is nothing more than motivating other people.” by Lee Iacocca.
Magnificent site. Plenty of helpful information here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you to your effort!
Hello. magnificent job. I did not expect this. This is a impressive story. Thanks!
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.
I am not rattling good with English but I line up this very leisurely to translate.
There are definitely numerous particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a great point to convey up. I supply the ideas above as common inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where crucial factor shall be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round things like that, however I’m positive that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each girls and boys really feel the impact of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
Would love to constantly get updated outstanding site! .
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your web site in web explorer, might test this?K IE still is the market chief and a big component to other people will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a risky decision outstanding post! .
Very quickly this site is going to be famous amid all blog users, because of it’s
fastidious posts
Look into my homepage; SharaZZito