Continuing with question day…How does the baby salamander live without lungs?
Today I seem to be full of questions as I read different articles, which brings me to this one Toledo Zoo hails rare birth of ‘tiny treasure’ where it states:
The Toledo Zoo’s newest addition is no more than a half inch long, doesn’t have lungs, secretes a sticky substance when threatened – and was dubbed a “little tiny treasure” by a curator.
How does the Northern slimy salamander exist without lungs? I learned something that I did not know, the Family Plethodontidae:
This is the most diverse family of salamanders in the world, with over 200 species. The greatest concentration of species is found in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. They are called Lungless Salamanders because they have no lungs and absorb oxygen through the skin and the lining of the mouth.
Neat trick. And the little guy IS awful cute.
February 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pmHe is isn’t he? Makes me wish you could actually see him on display now but we have to wait for a few months to see him and then? He won’t look the same.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pmMaybe this slimy salamander can be the Glass City Jungle’s mascot.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:49 pmHis coloring is about right and at times things get slimy here…
February 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm