mountrainiernps:Landscape LanguagePaedomorphic (adj) – retaining juvenile characteristics by an adul
mountrainiernps:Landscape LanguagePaedomorphic (adj) – retaining juvenile characteristics by an adultLike many amphibians, most salamanders start life in the water but lose their tails and gills and develop legs and lungs as adults to live on land. However depending on local conditions, not every salamander develops a terrestrial form. This paedomorphic Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile) is sexually mature, but retains some larval characteristics including its feathery gills and fin-like tail. It will live its whole life in water! NPS/Scott Anderson photo. A salamander with feathery gills on stalks behind its head, legs, and a finned tail rests underwater on rocks. ~kl -- source link