Are axolotls smart?

Axolotls can recognize organisms and shapes from a distance, including people coming to feed them.

One study suggests that salamanders can count to at least three.

To learn more:

Uller C, Jaeger R, Guidry G, Martin C. 2003. Salamanders ( Plethodon cinereus) go for more: rudiments of number in an amphibian. Anim Cogn. 6:105-12.

Fun Facts

What determines whether an axolotl will grow up to be male or female?

Axolotls have genetic sex-determination - a locus on an axolotl chromosome determines whether an axolotl is male or female.

In salamanders, the sex determining mechanism is referred to as ZZ/ZW and the heterogametic sex is female.

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