What is neoteny and how does it relate to organisms like Urodela (salamanders)?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the concept of neoteny and its relation to specific organisms, likely focusing on the characteristics and adaptations of these organisms.
Answer
Neoteny in Urodela enables sexual maturity while retaining juvenile features like external gills.
Neoteny is a developmental strategy where an organism retains juvenile characteristics while reaching sexual maturity. In Urodela, like salamanders, neoteny allows them to reach maturity without undergoing metamorphosis, often retaining larval features such as external gills.
Answer for screen readers
Neoteny is a developmental strategy where an organism retains juvenile characteristics while reaching sexual maturity. In Urodela, like salamanders, neoteny allows them to reach maturity without undergoing metamorphosis, often retaining larval features such as external gills.
More Information
Neoteny is beneficial for some salamanders as it allows them to thrive in aquatic environments, avoiding the challenges of terrestrial life.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing neoteny with paedomorphosis. While related, paedomorphosis includes other processes like progenesis (accelerated maturation) where larval features are retained.
Sources
- Neoteny - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- What the heck is a neotenic salamander? - natureconservancy.ca
- Heterochrony and Neotenic Salamanders: Possible Clues ... - BioOne - bioone.org
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