Use the Following Information to Answer the Question

question 6

Multiple Choice

Use the following information to answer the question.
"Marine cone snails from the genus Conus are estimated to consist of up to 700 species. These predatory molluscs have devised an efficient venom apparatus that allows them to successfully capture polychaete worms, other molluscs, or in some cases fish as their primary food sources. ?. . . conotoxins from Australian species of Conus . . . have the capacity to inhibit specifically the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in higher animals." (B. G. Livett, K. R. Gayler, and Z. Khalil. 2004. Drugs from the sea: Conopeptides as potential therapeutics. Current Medicinal Chemistry 11:1715-23.)
What is the adaptive value of this toxin?
I.It would cause muscle spasms in the prey.
II.It would result in paralysis of the skeletal muscle of the prey.
III.It would stimulate digestive tract smooth muscle to cause nausea and vomiting of the prey.

• A) only I
• B) only II
• C) only III
• D) only I and II

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Definitions:

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours, affecting various physiological processes in living organisms.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

Hormone

A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.

Attacked

To be aggressively targeted or assaulted, either physically, verbally, or through other means.