What are these for? A. tentacles sensing water movement B. gills for breathing underwater C. fins for swimming faster D.horns for protection.
The axolotl remains aquatic (like larvae) their entire life. Though it develops functional lungs, it uses its fancy, feathery gills to breathe underwater
Axolots eat all but which of these? A. algae B. fish C. insects D. worms
Despite their infantile charm and undeveloped teeth, axolotls are effective predators, inhaling worms, mollusks, crustaceans, insect larvae, and even small fish
True or False: Roasted axolotl is considered a rare and delicious treat in Mexico
True: Axolotls were commonly killed for food by the Aztecs. Before the axolotl was an endangered species, roasted axolotl was considered a delicacy.
Which is the biggest threat to the axolotl population? A. Large fish (carp and tilapia) B. Birds (storks and herons) C. Overcollecting them for food/research D. urbanization and pollution
Populations are in decline as the demands of nearby Mexico City have led to the draining and contamination of much of the waters of the Xochimilco Lake complex
Where are wild axolotls found exclusively in the world?
Wild axolotls live exclusively in the swampy remnants of Lake Xochimilco and the canals leading to it on the southern edge of Mexico City.
True or False: Axolotls are named after the Aztec god of fire and lightning.
True. They are named after Xolotl, god of fire and lightning, who was said to have transformed into a salamander to avoid being sacrificed
True or False: The axolotl genome is larger than the human genome.
True. With 32 billion base pairs, the axolotl genome, first sequenced in 2018, is ten times longer than than the human genome.
How many times can an axolotl can regrow a new limb perfectly? A. 1 B. 3 C 5 D.12
Scientists have found that axolotls can regrow a new limb five times perfectly, in a few weeks—without even a scar.
Axolotls are a type of a. Eel B. Fish C. Frog D. Salamander
The axolotl is part of the group of mole salamanders—which includes its closest relative, the tiger salamander
True or False: Axolotls can change color.
Axolotls are dark-colored and can shift their hue a few shades lighter or darker as needed for camouflage!
The first axolotls studied by biologists were captured in A. 1677 B.1789 C. 1864 D.1997
In 1864, 34 live axolotls were shipped to Paris, and six of those were given to biologist Auguste Duméril. He bred them and shared them with labs worldwide
Most axolotls are what color? A. Blue B. Brown C.yellow D white
While you might see plenty of white ones in captivity, the animal is normally greenish brown or black. White ones descend from a mutant male in Paris France
Name two ways to help conserve the axolotl population
In an attempt to revive the species, researchers have built “shelters” made from reeds and rocks to filter the water and create a more desirable living space
What’s faster, a blue crab or an axolotl?
Unlike some crabs, blue crabs can swim, but they can only reach 3.6km/hr speeds whereas an axolotl can reach speeds of 15km/hr (10mi/hr)
Which is older, you or the oldest axolotl ever?
You tell me. Axolotls are long-lived, surviving up to 15 years
True or False: Axolotls smile to show they are happy
False. It is common after they swallow their food for their mouth to be open in what looks like a smile for a few seconds, but it's not a sign of joy.
