What unusual feature allows the axolotl to regenerate entire limbs and even parts of its heart and brain?
Presence of specialized stem cells
The answer was Presence of specialized stem cells. Here's the why, the decoys, and the source trail.
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Axolotls possess specialized stem cells that enable them to regrow complex tissues like limbs, parts of the heart, and brain, a rare ability among vertebrates.
A good trivia question makes the wrong answers feel close. Here is the clean read on the set.
- Presence of specialized stem cells - correct answer.
- Ability to photosynthesize - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
- Magnetic field detection - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
- Venom secretion - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
Presence of specialized stem cells is the one to remember. Axolotls possess specialized stem cells that enable them to regrow complex tissues like limbs, parts of the heart, and brain, a rare ability among vertebrates. Scientists study axolotls to understand how tissue regeneration might be applied to human medicine.
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Sources: Wikipedia - Axolotl