Chordata: Protochordata to Amphibia · Zoology

Which of the following is an example of 'Neoteny' (paedomorphosis) found in some amphibians?

  1. A frog reabsorbing its larval tail completely during metamorphosis
  2. An Axolotl keeping larval gills and staying aquatic as a sexually mature adult
  3. Amphibian eggs forming a tough, calcified outer shell for land-based incubation
  4. European eels migrating to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and then die
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Correct answer: An Axolotl keeping larval gills and staying aquatic as a sexually mature adult

Neoteny is the retention of juvenile traits in the adult stage. The Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a classic example, as it fails to undergo metamorphosis and remains gilled and aquatic throughout its adult life.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

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