Amphibians

Created on Dec. 4, 2012, 11:14 p.m. by Hevok & updated by Hevok on May 2, 2013, 5:01 p.m.

Several amphibian species are outstanding for their long-lifespan which spans at least several to many decades: mudpuppy (34 years), European toad (40 years), African bullfrog (45 years) and the Japanese giant salamander (55 years).

A tiny blind cave salamander (olm, Proteus anguinus) can live over 100 years. Its nickname is "the human fish", because of its human-like skin tone. This species becomes sexually mature at around 16 years and lays on average 35 eggs every 12.5 years. Its longevity might be promoted by its very low activity, low reproduction, no environmental stress and its peculiar physiology. The olm appears to fit a pattern, where long lives are dependent upon low-stress, stable environments without predators. Besides this, the olm's basal metabolic rate is not markedly different and it does not possess noteworthy antioxidant activity. In such neither the basal metabolic rate not its antioxidant activity differ from species with shorter lifespans [20659920; 21290398; http://news.discovery.com/animals/human-fish-salamander-lifespan.html].

olm.jpg

Tags: species, longevity, research, lifespan
Categories: Quest
Parent: Quests

Update entry (Admin) | See changes

Comment on This Data Unit