Fascinating isn't it?This creature is known as the axolotl, originating from the lake underlying Mexico City. Larave of this species do not undergo metamorphosis - hence their freaky deaky appearance - and adults remain aquatic and gilled. He's not a red-head, those are actually external gills.
We as human beings tend to think of ourselves as special, unique organisms. This creature, of course very distantly related to Homo sapiens, is a wonderful example of the non-unique nature of our existence; such a human like face and smile.
As of 2008, these little cutie pies have been near extinction due to extensive urbanization of Mexico City and drainage of their native lake. Non-native fish have also been introduced to areas in which the axolotl is hanging out, consuming their spawn and depriving them of their usual sources of food.
Evolution is really quite amazing when you think about it. Hard to believe that the United States is so completely torn over the matter. Found this in a 2006 article:
I'm sure I'll have more to say about evolution later and I just got a little bit of inspiration from thinking about this to use this topic for my short documentary film for class...
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