How does the harlequin poison dart frog obtain and deploy its toxins?

• A. The harlequin poison dart frog collects poison from the bugs it eats and deposits the poison on its skin, making it one of the most poisonous frogs.
• B. It synthesizes its own toxins in the liver.
• C. It only becomes poisonous after exposure to sunlight.
• D. It heals toxins by rubbing against leaves.

Answer: (A)

Chemical defense in the harlequin poison dart frog comes from sequestering alkaloids directly from its prey. It doesn’t synthesize toxins itself; instead, it eats certain arthropods (like ants and mites) and stores those chemicals in specialized skin glands. When threatened, the toxins are secreted onto the skin, deterring predators. The bright coloration serves as a warning signal to potential attackers. The other ideas—producing toxins in the liver, needing sunlight to become poisonous, or removing toxins by rubbing against leaves—don’t fit the observed biology.