AMBYSTOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Ambystoma is a noun that refers to a genus of salamanders, commonly known as mole salamanders. It belongs to the family Ambystomatidae, which comprises about 30 different species. These salamanders are mainly found in North America, ranging from Canada down to Mexico. Ambystoma is characterized by their stout bodies, relatively short limbs, and prominent tails. They are typically medium to large-sized salamanders, with some species reaching lengths of up to 12 inches.
Ambystoma species are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, making them popular objects of scientific research. They have the remarkable ability to regrow entire limbs, eyes, and even parts of their spinal cord. Due to their exceptional regenerative abilities, they have become a significant model organism for studying tissue regeneration processes.
These salamanders are mostly fossorial, spending much of their time underground in burrows or hidden beneath leaf litter. They are nocturnal and exhibit a predatory behavior, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and snails. Ambystoma species play a crucial role in the ecosystem as indicators of environmental health, as they are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat and water quality.
Overall, Ambystoma refers to a diverse genus of salamanders known for their regenerative abilities and ecological significance.
Common Misspellings for AMBYSTOMA
Etymology of AMBYSTOMA
The word "ambystoma" has Ancient Greek origins. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "amphi", meaning "both" or "around", and "stoma", meaning "mouth". Together, "ambystoma" means "two-mouthed" or "both-mouthed". This name refers to the unusual characteristic of certain salamanders in the genus Ambystoma, specifically the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), which exhibits the phenomenon of neoteny. Neoteny is the retention of larval features into adulthood, including the persistence of gills and the ability to breathe through them, while retaining the capability to also breathe through their lungs if necessary.
Similar spelling words for AMBYSTOMA
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