Question

Axolotl larva of Ambyostoma normally fails to metamorphose due to:

• A. lack of Ca and Mg ions in water
• B. absence of phosphorus in water
• C. lack of iodine in water or diet
• D. high concentration of iodine in body

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Environmental factors affect metamorphosis in serveral ways. Abundence of food, cold temperature or insufficient iodine (component of thyroxin hormone) may cause failure of metamorphosis and retention of larval features.
Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus are not found to play any role in metamorphosis in animals.