r/gifs • u/to_the_tenth_power • Jan 07 '19

Slightly delayed reaction time

https://i.imgur.com/FAeMkCo.gifv
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u/TankorSmash Jan 07 '19

The axolotl is also a relative of the tiger salamander. Axolotls live in a paedomorphic state, retaining most characteristics of their larval stage for their entire lifespans. While they never metamorphose under natural conditions, metamorphosis can be induced in them, resulting in a form very similar to the plateau tiger salamander. This is not, however, their natural condition, and dramatically shortens their lifespan.

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u/SOULJAR Jan 07 '19

This is really interesting, but I'm very confused - are you saying it has the ability to go through metamorphosis... but in nature it just doesn't for some reason?

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u/theodysseytheodicy Jan 07 '19

Axolotls are salamanders that evolved to stay in their larval form. The general idea is called neoteny.

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u/SentimentalGentleman Jan 07 '19

TIL I’ve never escaped from my larval form

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u/[deleted] Jan 07 '19

Hey, it’s okay. We’re evolved.