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This week we will discuss the anatomy of a salamander, but first, let’s just do a quick recap of these species. The salamander is a part of the Chordata phylum, and it is in the genus Ambystoma. There are several hundred types of salamanders, and their environments differ depending on the type. Salamanders have common anatomical features, but with living in different environments, they also have different characteristics. Now let’s get into the basic description of this fantastic species.

    Most salamanders have a slender tube shape with four short limbs, a tail, two eyes on the side of its head and small teeth. The respiratory organs vary for each salamander based on their environment. Some have lungs while others have gills. There are also some salamanders have gills and lungs. There is a wide variety of colors that salamanders come in. Usually, these species have dark backgrounds with yellow, or other bright color, markings. The markings on their backs can also range in size and shape. The markings that appear on the salamander helps them blend into their surroundings, so its easier for them to capture their prey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Since we know the basic features of the salamander let’s now focus on one specific type, the Tiger Salamander. The Tiger Salamander has a thick body with a long tail. The skin of this species is shiny and moist. It also has four short legs and can grow to about 33 centimeters in length. There are four toes on the front feet and five toes on the back feet. The tiger salamander is one type of the many salamanders that have lungs. In the image above, we see that a female has ovaries and the male has testes, but it is still hard to tell which one is which just by looking at it. Maybe you think that the colors on their backs would help, NOPE. One can only really tell during the breading season, and you must pay attention to the salamander’s tail. Near the tail, there is a vent near the reproductive organs, and it will swell, and once you look there, the genitals will be visible. Also, sometimes in the tiger salamander, the female is bigger while the males have a larger cloaca. Another cool thing about the salamander is that it can regenerate some of its body parts.

   There is one part of the Tiger Salamander that is used mainly for defense, the tail. A toxin is secreted all over the salamander’s body, but the tail is the most toxic part. When a predator eats the tail, death is expected, and the cool thing about that is that it can grow its tail back.

 

Before you leave, check out this cool short video of Tiger Salamander catching its prey. It also gives a few more details of its life.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjAiWnzU2aE)

 

See you next time!!!!!!!!

 

 

References

1. https://www.britannica.com/animal/salamander
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/t/tiger-salamander/
3. http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AAAAA01142
4. https://sciencing.com/salamander-characteristics-7873616.html
5. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/amphibians/salamander-regrow-body-parts.htm