Chapter 1
The water monster of Mexico's floating gardens
Chapter 2
The superpower of eternal youth
Chapter 3
The ultimate self-healing master
Chapter 4
From Aztec gods to Minecraft stars
YOUR GOAL
Master of The smiling water monster of Xochimilco
Ch 2 · The superpower of eternal youth
misslily Axolotl Neoteny
Keep the feathery gills, I'm never leaving the lake, Staying forever young is the best move I can make.
misslily Injecting axolotls with iodine triggers their thyroid gland, forcing them to absorb gills and grow stronger legs for
misslily A minimalist editorial card displaying the secret thyroid science of the aquatic axolotl.
Fun Fact
Gill crown: The pink feathers on an axolotl's head are actually external gills lined with tiny blood vessels that capture oxygen directly from water.
Glossary
neoteny (noun)
The retention of juvenile or larval features in the adult animal. This trait allows axolotls in Lake Xochimilco to keep their larval gills and remain aquatic for life.
The retention of juvenile or larval features in the adult animal. This trait allows axolotls in Lake Xochimilco to keep their larval gills and remain aquatic for life.
Quiz
What happens to an axolotl's physical appearance if it is forced to undergo metamorphosis?
Quiz
What is the scientific term for an animal like the axolotl retaining its juvenile features into adulthood?
Quiz
In biology, what is the term 'paedomorphosis' synonymous with when describing the axolotl's lifestyle?
Quiz
Which bodily organ's hormone deficiency prevents the axolotl from naturally metamorphosing?
Quiz
What chemical element can be used in laboratory experiments to trigger an axolotl's metamorphosis?
Quiz
Unlike most other salamanders, what aquatic physical feature do axolotls never naturally lose?