Amblystoma

/ˌæmblɪˈstoʊmə/ noun

Definition

A genus of salamanders found in North America, including the commonly studied axolotl, characterized by a blunt snout and aquatic lifestyle.

Etymology

From Greek 'amblys' (blunt, dull) + 'stoma' (mouth). Named by naturalists in the 1800s to describe these salamanders with their characteristically blunt-shaped mouths.

Kelly Says

The axolotl, a member of Amblystoma, is one of science's most important animals—it stays aquatic and juvenile its whole life (a phenomenon called neoteny) and can regenerate almost any body part.

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