Post #14838

degradation of their eyes, amphibians are still able to distinguish light from darkness using their tail, paws, or any other surface of the body. After all, their pale and soft integument contains melanopsin, a light-sensitive pigment. It allows them to avoid ultraviolet radiation, which is dangerous for thin skin, and remain in the cool depths of the caves. And it’s not so difficult for proteas to get food, because all their other senses are turned to the maximum. Even those that people have no trace of. Olms' sense of touch, hearing and vibration are better developed than those of terrestrial amphibians, which allows them to navigate caves without any difficulty. In addition, they rely on a much more exotic sense - electroreception. The olm has complex receptors on its head, the sensitivity of which has not yet been precisely determined. They may be able to sense the bioelectricity of large animals nearby. Or maybe even the Earth’s magnetic field! Olms also have a well-developed sense of smell, which is normal for mammals, but almost impossible for amphibians. Proteas detect prey weighing as little as 0.1 grams by scent, and seem to rely on pheromones to find breeding partners more than any other means of finding a mate. Male proteas are territorial and release pheromones during the breeding season. And the stronger the pheromone trail, the farther the competitors move away and the closer the females come. The seduced female receives a spermatophore (capsule with genetic material) from the male and lays 70 eggs. After which he goes on vacation for about 12-13 years. After all, why rush if you live a whole century? And in their exotic slowness they truly resemble the mythical dragons who exchanged years like small coins. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day scientists discover that proteas are not amphibians at all, but neotenic dragon larvae that have forgotten how to turn into adults in order to escape people with their fire, knights and castles. Author: Yaroslav Ilyin 🏀 Hit the hoop and get an NFT gift — https://t.me/BasketbolX_bot