Salamanders In All-Female Populations Regrow Their Tails Faster

Plants and Animals





Photo credit:

Kevin Fitzsimons

Some Ambystoma salamander populations are all female, and they reproduce by cloning themselves, though they do mix it up by stealing sperm they find on leaves and twigs left behind by males of other species. Like salamanders who reproduce sexually, these females are also excellent at regenerating various body parts. However, according to new findings published in the Journal of Zoology last week, these all-female salamanders regrow their tails faster.