The way poison frogs keep from poisoning themselves is complicated

Genetic change that protects from a toxin can cause ripple effects

Epipedobates anthonyi

SMALL BUT DEADLY  The potent toxin epibatidine was first discovered in 1974, when it was isolated from the skin of the phantasmal poison frog, Epipedobates anthonyi (one shown).

R. Tarvin/University of Texas at Austin

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For some poison dart frogs, gaining resistance to one of their own toxins came with a price.