Question: What is it that makes axolotls not morph in the wild?

[BIGBODYBEAR]

People say less iodine in there habitats or genetics, i dont want to morph my axolotls but i am curious to know what makes the morph into terrestial animals and also from what i read the why
terrestial forms tend to be weak?

 

[crespo]

You can find some information here Axolotls - Metamorphosed & Tiger Salamanders

I know that hormones do the trick but never tried it myself...

 

[auntiejude]

Axolotls will morph in the wild in response to adverse conditions, such as a significant drop in water level, water pollution, lack of food etc that would mean remaining aquatic would be difficult.
Assuming that water and food conditions remain suitable axies won't morph.

 

[oceanblue]

Axolotls will morph in the wild in response to adverse conditions, such as a significant drop in water level, water pollution, lack of food etc that would mean remaining aquatic would be difficult.
Assuming that water and food conditions remain suitable axies won't morph.

This is wrong, wild axolotls probably have the same genetic block on metamorphosis as laboratory or pet ones. They may also have other genetic blocks as well. They are dying out due to pollution and habitat degradation and are not morphing and emerging onto land. Water problems kill them not induce metamorphosis.

The genetic block in laboratory axolotls is in the control mechanism which produces a burst of thyroid hormone which then triggers metamorphosis. They morph if treated by thyroid hormone and also iodine treated proteins which have a thyroid hormone mimicing effect bit NOT elemental iodine (which is irritant and poisonous) or iodide.

The response to correct dosage and timing of hormone produces a tiger salamander like meramorphosed mexicanum - http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...eneral-discussion/91260-morphed-axolotls.html

 

[auntiejude]

This is wrongl

How can it be wrong - it came directly from a text book written by an 'expert'!

 

[oceanblue]

How can it be wrong - it came directly from a text book written by an 'expert'!

I've just re- read some of the literature and accept that my previous post is a bit dogmatic and not an accurate summary. This abstract perhaps explains the situation better: Evolutionary genetics of metamorphic failure using ... [Mol Ecol. 2000] - PubMed - NCBI