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A stream of nasty-tasting blood squirts from the toad's eyes, straight into the coyote's mouth. The coyote steps back, shaking its head from side to side in disgust. It retreats, wiping its muzzle, while the uninjured toad skitters away to safety.

A) True
B) False

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The mention of a toad squirting blood from its eyes is false; however, toads do secrete toxins to repel predators, which is akin to the horned lizard's ability to squirt blood for defense. Salamanders also release chemicals that deter predators. These adaptations contribute to the concept of aposematic coloration in animals. The correct option is B) False

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario where a toad squirts blood from its eyes as a defensive mechanism against predators like coyotes is an example of aposematic coloration and the use of toxins for defense. While toads are known to secrete toxins, it is actually the horned lizard that is notably recognized for squirting blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism. The secretion from toads mentioned in the provided information is used to repel predators and attract tadpoles, and it's a common trait among animals with aposematic coloration to advertise their unpalatability or toxicity to predators.

In the experiment with salamanders, researchers found that the chemicals produced during injury do indeed elicit avoidance behavior. This behavior is an important survival mechanism, as it allows animals to avoid predators by warning them of harmful toxins or an unpleasant taste before they attempt to consume them. This principle helps in decreasing the loss through predation, as the predators learn to associate the warning signals with negative consequences.

The correct option is B) False

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