Opposing Digits

Toxic toads bound across the northern tropics of Australia faster than ever, thanks to the evolution of longer legs in the few short decades since humans introduced them to their own little paradise.

Cane toads (Bufo marinus) were first brought in from Hawaii in 1935 to control the spread of beetles that were ravaging Australia's sugar cane crop. But instead of controlling the pests, the toads have become pests themselves. A deadly chemical defense system disposes quickly of potential predators.

# posted by madthumbs @ 10:50 AM