[PDF] Vertebral number is highly evolvable in salamanders and newts (family Salamandridae) and variably associated with climatic parameters | Semantic Scholar (2024)

FAQs

Does a salamander have a vertebral column? ›

Examination of the vertebral columns of representatives of all families of salamanders revealed that, in contrast to the condition found in most other vertebrates, salamander spinal nerves of often pass through foramina in the vertebrae.

These newts have overall similar habitat preferences, but show substantial genetic and geographic differentiation among and sometimes within species (Babik et al., 2005; Frost, 2021; Wielstra et al., 2018). The number of trunk vertebrae in the genus is 12, exceptionally 13 (Arntzen et al., 2015).

Lungless Salamanders are the family with the largest number of species, and it is very widespread, ranging from North America to Brazil, with a few species in Europe and Asia. Their most distinctive feature is the lack of lungs, breathing instead through their skin.

The word "salamander" is the name for an entire group, or scientific order, of amphibians that have tails as adults. This includes amphibians commonly known as newts and sirens. Most salamanders look like a cross between a lizard and a frog.

The remarkable ability of salamanders to regenerate is not just limited to limbs but extends to vital organs such as the heart, jaw, and parts of the spinal cord, showing their uniqueness compared to different types of vertebrates. ⁤⁤This ability is most remarkable for occurring without any type of scarring.

In amphibians, girdles and limbs become attached to vertebral column, transferring the support of the body to the vertebral column. Originally girdle was attached to one vertebra. In later amphibians, more vertebrae became involved.

Newts can regenerate their limbs throughout their life-span. Focusing on muscle, certain species of newts such as Cynops pyrrhogaster dedifferentiate muscle fibers in the limb stump and mobilize them for muscle creation in the regenerating limb, as they grow beyond metamorphosis.

The newt is regarded as an ideal vertebrate model for investigating the mechanism(s) controlling the transition from mitosis to meiosis during spermatogenesis.

Veterinary articles have been published stating amphibians experience pain in a way analogous to mammals, and that analgesics are effective in control of this class of vertebrates.

The Berry Cave salamander is found nowhere else on earth, and its populations are dwindling in the face of rapid development and a changing climate. Even the largest observed populations of the Berry Cave salamander are quickly declining.

What state has the most salamanders? ›

North Carolina is one of the best places in the world to study salamanders, as at least 65 species call the state home. The climate of western North Carolina is perfect for creatures who need mild temperatures and plenty of moisture to thrive.

The Chinese giant salamander is the world's largest amphibian, reaching lengths of more than 1.8m. They have been revered in Chinese culture for thousands of years, but overexploitation for the luxury food market as well as habitat loss has devastated wild populations.

Handling and Restraint

The slimy skin secretion of amphibians is a protective covering that is similar to that of fishes. Handling these animals with dry hands can cause this skin covering to rub off, allowing the entrance of bacteria. Frogs and salamanders should not be handled unless it is absolutely necessary.

Most newts have webbed feet and a paddle-like tail, which make it easier to live in the water. Salamanders typically have longer and more rounded tails with well-developed toes for digging in soil. A newt's skin is rough and looks like it's covered in warts, while a salamander's is wet, slick, and shiny.

The tiger salamander begins life as a gilled, aquatic larva. Within a year, the larva metamorphoses, or changes into a land-living adult. It loses its gills, develops lungs, and grows legs. In contrast, the axolotl exhibits neoteny, a condition in which the larvae reproduce without reaching the adult form.

Animals without backbones are called invertebrates. They range from well known animals such as jellyfish, corals, slugs, snails, mussels, octopuses, crabs, shrimps, spiders, butterflies and beetles to much less well known animals such as flatworms, tapeworms, siphunculids, sea-mats and ticks.

The 5 groups of vertebrates (animals that have a backbone) are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. A spider is an invertebrate because it is an animal without a backbone.

Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates made up of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians (wormlike animals with poorly developed eyes).

Lizards are vertebrates, and do have a vertebral column. In different species of lizards, the construction of the vertebral column is different according to the species. Lizards are very flexible creatures that usually have four legs.