Larva yang Takut Dewasa - Axolotl #Highlight #AlamSemenit

Summary

This video explores the fascinating creature known as the axolotl, often mistaken for a walking fish but actually a neotenic salamander. Axolotls are unique in that they retain their larval features, such as gills, throughout their lives, and they live entirely in water. Despite having lungs, they cannot survive long out of water. Found mostly in lakes and canals in Mexico, they are also popular pets and research subjects due to their incredible regenerative abilities. However, they are endangered in the wild and protected by conservation efforts.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Axolotls are often mistaken for fish but are actually neotenic salamanders.
• 🌱 Neotenic salamanders like axolotls retain larval characteristics throughout their entire lives, such as gills and aquatic habits.
• 💧 Although axolotls have lungs, they rarely leave the water and cannot survive on land for long periods.
• 🦎 Unlike most amphibians, axolotls do not complete metamorphosis and remain in their larval form, even as adults.
• 🌊 Their natural habitat is aquatic, specifically in Lake Xochimilco and other water channels in Mexico City.
• 💜 Axolotls have external gills, which are reddish-purple due to blood cells drawing oxygen from water.
• 🔥 In low-oxygen water conditions, axolotls can surface to breathe air using their lungs.
• 🔬 Axolotls are studied for their remarkable regenerative abilities, which allow them to regrow lost limbs.
• 🔴 Axolotls are critically endangered in the wild, listed on the IUCN Red List, but are popular as pets.
• 🍽 Some people are curious if axolotls are edible, though they are primarily valued for research and as pets.

Q & A

What is an axolotl?

An axolotl is a neotenic salamander, meaning it retains its larval features throughout its life, such as gills. It's also known as the 'Mexican walking fish' but is not a fish, as it remains in its aquatic stage.

Why is the axolotl called a 'monster' in the Aztec language?

In the Aztec language, the word for axolotl translates to something that can be misunderstood as a 'fish with legs,' making it seem like a monster, though it is a type of salamander.

What makes axolotls unique compared to other salamanders?

Axolotls are unique because they do not complete metamorphosis. Unlike most salamanders, they retain their gills and remain in water for their entire lives, instead of developing lungs and moving onto land.

Can axolotls survive outside of water?

While axolotls have lungs and can breathe air, they cannot survive outside of water for long periods. They are aquatic creatures and would suffer from stress and respiratory issues if kept out of water for too long.

What adaptations help axolotls live in low-oxygen environments?

Axolotls have both gills and lungs, allowing them to survive in water with low oxygen levels by gulping air from the surface.

Where are axolotls naturally found?

Axolotls are naturally found in Lake Xochimilco in the valley of Mexico and in the canals and waterways of Mexico City.

Why are axolotls considered endangered?

Axolotls are endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species in their natural habitats. They are listed on the IUCN Red List as a protected species.

Why are axolotls often kept as pets?

Axolotls are kept as pets because of their unique appearance, with external gills and their aquatic lifestyle. Despite their endangered status, they are bred in captivity and are relatively easy to care for.

What makes axolotls valuable for scientific research?

Axolotls are valuable for scientific research due to their extraordinary ability to regenerate lost limbs. This regenerative ability has potential implications for human medical research.

Why can't axolotls complete their metamorphosis like other salamanders?

Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they remain in their larval stage throughout their lives. Their development is 'paused,' so they never fully transition into adult salamanders, retaining their larval characteristics.