Convergent Evolution
Part of the Frogs: A Chorus of Colors exhibition.
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Part of the Frogs: A Chorus of Colors exhibition.
Comparisons of unrelated frogs in South America and Madagascar have revealed that both evolved similar bright color schemes and the ability to accumulate toxins from their food to ward off predators. In addition, some toxins found in frogs in both locations share the same chemical structure, despite the fact that the frogs eat different arthropod prey. In very different biological worlds, evolution has converged to produce two toxic warning systems that are almost identical.