| ambystoma | A genus of the ambystomatidae family. The best known species of this genus are the axolotl forms ambystoma mexicanum and ambystoma tigrinum. They may retain gills and remain aquatic without developing all of the adult characteristics. However, under proper changes in the environment they metamorphose. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| Ambystoma mexicanum | <organism> Mexican axolotl (amphibian). A salamander that shows neoteny. The adult may retain the larval form, but can reproduce. The neotenous, aquatic axolotl will metamorphose into the terrestrial form if injected with thyroid or pituitary gland extract. (18 Nov 1997) |
| ambystomatidae | A family of the class urodela which includes 4 living genera, about 33 species, and occurs only in north america. Adults are usually terrestrial, but the larval forms are aquatic. (12 Dec 1998) |