Question

If an 'axolotl larva' is placed in water containing sufficient iodine then

• A. Its skin pigmentation will change.
• B. It will start metamorphosis.
• C. It remains as usual without any change.
• D. Larva will die soon.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It will start metamorphosis.

The axolotl is also known as a Mexican salamander. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. Instead of developing lungs and taking to land, the adults remain aquatic and gilled.

When sufficient amount of iodine is provided, it has profound effects on thyroid gland and results in metamorphosis. Metamorphosis yields a mature axolotl from its larval form.