New research from The Ohio State University shows that some mole salamanders travel six miles or more to new breeding territory. This sheds light on an evolutionary mystery and could help in future conservation efforts.
Credit: Kevin Fitzsimons, Ohio State
The body of that amphibian delight is about fifteen centimeters but he may walk overland for as much as fifteen kilometers to find the salamander of his dreams. (Science Daily: Salamanders brave miles of threatening terrain for the right sex partner)
Most salamanders are homebodies when it comes to mating. But some of the beasts hit the road, traversing miles of rugged terrain unfit for an amphibian in pursuit of a partner from a far-away wetland.
And when those adventurers leave home, they travel an average of six miles -- and as far as almost nine miles -- to new breeding sites, a new study has found.
That's a long haul on four squatty legs.
- Science Daily
At some time the evolutionary directive came down that mole salamanders should send out as many missionary salamanders as possible for the good of the tribe. Most of them will get squished or eaten but the strongest or luckiest will survive and make improved salamanders. That seems a harsh directive but you see the splendid creature which resulted.
See the article for the study and how they determined these things about salamanders.
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