Axolotl: Science Fact or Fiction?
This Mexican salamander is a unique animal that is another inspiration to the science fiction community. It resembles many a monster and alien that have been seen in movies and on television. Yet despite its popularity, it is now endangered due to the amount of pollution entering the waters around Mexico as more and more companies create factories in the area.
These cute and abstract looking creatures can grow to be up to 18” long but in most cases they are found around 9”. They have external gills which extend from the head and act as oars which move water, oxygenating it, and then being able to create its own air source. In scientific testing, researchers were able to prove that this is the only amphibian who can undergo an induced metamorphosis with either an iodine or hormone injection. This is important as it suggests that a life-cycle of an animal is able to be manipulated by humans. Wonderful.
Originally, these were found in France. Bu several French colonists who ventured into Mexico brought them as pets. They soon over populated the area in the mid 1800’s. There are several websites dedicated to the care and maintenance of the Axolotl as a pet but the fact remains it is an endangered species which is not allowed to be held as a domesticated animal.
So is the Axolotl Science Fact or Science Fiction?
Here are other Science Fact or Fiction articles from the author
Image via Wikipedia
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