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How does the alpine salamander nourish its developing young?
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Caudata
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are widespread across much of the United States. Although they are generally black with yellow blotches, bars, spots, or even stripes, some are lighter in colour or have olive markings. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, Ambystomatidae.
The alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) nourishes its developing young through a specialized process within the mother's reproductive tract. Because these salamanders are live-bearing, the young remain in the oviduct until they are fully metamorphosed.12
The nourishment process occurs in stages:
- Initial Yolk Supply: At the beginning of development, the young salamander relies on its own yolk supply.2
- Oophagy: As development progresses, the young salamander consumes the yolk of other eggs within the oviduct.2
- Maternal Nutrient Transfer: The developing salamander grows enlarged gills that form an intimate association with the walls of the mother's oviduct. This connection allows for the direct transfer of nutrients from the mother to the young.2
These gills are reabsorbed by the young shortly before birth.2