Salamander

Salamander is a group of approximately 500 species of amphibians typically characterized by a lizard-like appearance, with slender bodies, blunt snouts, short limbs projecting at right angles to the body, and the presence of a tail in both larvae and adults.

Classification

Salamanders are part of the order Urodela, which also includes newts. The order is divided into nine families, with a diverse range of species and habitats.

Anatomy and Morphology

Salamanders range in size from the minute salamanders, with a total length of 2.7 cm (1.1 in), including the tail, to the Chinese giant salamander which reaches 1.8 m (5.9 ft) and weighs up to 65 kg (143 lb).

Habitat and Distribution

Salamanders are found in most parts of the world but are most numerous in the Northern Hemisphere. Many species are aquatic, but some are terrestrial, and some are capable of both modes of locomotion.

Behavior and Ecology

Salamanders are capable of regenerating lost limbs, as well as other damaged parts of their bodies. Researchers hope to reverse engineer the remarkable regenerative processes for potential human medical applications, such as in limb regeneration.

Conservation

Many species of salamanders are endangered, and some are threatened with extinction, due to habitat loss, pollution, disease, and other factors.

See Also

• Amphibian
• Newt
• Chinese giant salamander

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