Five Paragraph Essay
LO: Write an essay about an animal.
SC: Structure 5 paragraphs include
PEEEP, transitions.
Axolotls
Pink skin stretched across a scarily
human-like face, feathery gills protruding from either side of its head, and
black beady eyes staring at you…
Axolotls are unique, exciting creatures,
because of their ability to regrow their limbs, live long lives in their larval
state, and change from aquatic-based amphibians to land-based ones.
Axolotls have the amazing ability to
regrow their limbs. Found exclusively in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico their
population numbers are steadily declining, though their population as
laboratory animals thrives due to the fact that they are used extensively in
scientific research, because of their limb re-growing ability. Normal wound
healing in animals occurs through the growth of scar tissue, which is not as
robust as the original tissue; however axolotls can completely replace issue
and regrow whole limbs.
Furthermore, axolotls have the rare, but
recognised trait of retaining their larval features for the duration of their
adult life. This is called neoteny and the axolotl maintains its tadpole-like
dorsal fin that runs the length of its body, and external feathery-like gills,
for their adult life, even after reaching full maturity two years after birth.
Though they breathe primarily through
their gills, axolotls also breathe – to some extent – through their skin and
possess rudimentary lungs. It is extremely infrequent, but not unheard of that,
after reaching full maturity, an axolotl will emerge from the depths of Lake
Xochimilco and live on land. Though they have that ability, most axolotls are
content to stay in the water, and breathe through their gills.
Axolotls continue to fascinate many
around the world, despite their grotesque appearance. Perhaps it is their
ability to regrow their limbs, or live up to fifteen years in their larval
sate. Maybe it is the ability to change from an aquatic-based amphibian to a
land-based one. Possibly it could be all three that make this creature so
unique and exciting.
By Stella Nightingale