Stuff You Should Know – Axolotls: The Smiling Salamander from Mexico

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts dive into the fascinating world of axolotls, the smiling salamanders from Mexico. They explore the history, characteristics, and unique abilities of these adorable creatures. From their ancient Aztec origins to their incredible regenerative powers, there’s a lot to learn about axolotls.

Main Takeaways

Ancient Aztec Connections

• The word axolotl comes from the Nawat language, which is the language of the Aztec people.
• The Aztec God Sholut, who is associated with physical deformities, fire, lightning, death, and dogs, is the inspiration for the axolotl’s name.
• Axolotls were a significant food source, source of medicine, and source of amusement for the Aztec people.

Fascinating Features

• Axolotls are one of the cutest animals on the planet and have a perma-smile that is undeniably cute.
• Axolotls are one of the most interesting animals on the planet, with many amazing and astounding features.
• Axolotls have lungs and gills, but they breathe almost exclusively through their gills.
• They have legs but never use them to walk on dry land as they are not designed to stay out of water.

Neotony and Regeneration

• Axolotls are a type of amphibian that never leave the water, a phenomenon called Neotony.
• They stay forever young and retain their childhood form even in adulthood.
• Axolotls can regenerate tissue, including limbs, organs, and even their spinal cord.
• They can regenerate the same limb up to 100 times throughout their life.

Scientific Discoveries and Potential

• The axolotl genome is the second largest ever sequenced, after the Australian longfish.
• Scientists believe that this ability to regrow body parts evolved due to cannibalism when food was scarce.
• Axolotls have a 100% non-rejection rate for organ transplants due to not having a learned immune system.
• Axolotls are 1,000 times more resistant to cancer than other mammals.

Conservation and Cultural Significance

• Axolotls are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and introduction of other species.
• Axolotls make great lab animals due to their easy breeding and examination, and have helped with research on organ development, spina bifida, and thyroid hormones.
• Axolotls are culturally and scientifically important, designated as a flagship species.

Summary

Ancient Aztec Connections

Axolotls have deep roots in Aztec culture, with their name derived from the Aztec language and their association with the Aztec God Sholut. The Aztecs relied on axolotls for food, medicine, and entertainment, showcasing their significance in Aztec society.

Fascinating Features

Axolotls possess unique characteristics that make them incredibly interesting. Their adorable appearance, with their perma-smile, captivates hearts. They have both lungs and gills, but their preference for gill respiration sets them apart. Their legs are present but not used for walking on land, as they are fully adapted to an aquatic lifestyle.

Neotony and Regeneration

Axolotls exhibit neoteny, a phenomenon where they retain their juvenile features into adulthood. This eternal childhood state is a remarkable aspect of their biology. Additionally, axolotls possess the incredible ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, organs, and even their spinal cord. Their regenerative capabilities have fascinated scientists for years.

Scientific Discoveries and Potential

Scientists have made significant discoveries through studying axolotls. The sequencing of the axolotl genome has revealed its complexity, making it the second-largest genome ever sequenced. The ability to regenerate body parts evolved as a survival mechanism during times of scarce food. Axolotls’ non-rejection rate for organ transplants and their resistance to cancer hold promising implications for medical research.

Conservation and Cultural Significance

Axolotls face critical endangerment in the wild due to various threats. Their importance in scientific research and their cultural significance as a flagship species have led to conservation efforts. Mexico has taken steps to protect axolotls by creating sheltered areas and featuring them on their currency. Axolotls also hold a special place in popular culture, being featured in games like Minecraft.

Conclusion

Axolotls are truly remarkable creatures with a rich history and incredible abilities. Their connection to ancient Aztec culture, unique features, regenerative powers, and scientific potential make them a subject of fascination and conservation efforts. By learning more about axolotls, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and wonder of the natural world.