"Amphibians: The Surprising Milk-Feeding Parents"
TL;DR
Researchers have discovered that a species of caecilian, a worm-like amphibian, produces a milk-like substance to feed its young, a trait previously thought to be exclusive to mammals. The substance contains lipids and sugars similar to mammalian milk and serves a similar nutritional function. This finding suggests convergent evolution, where different species develop similar traits to address common challenges, and highlights the creative solutions nature provides across diverse animal groups.
- Milk, it's not just for mammals: An amphibian makes it too NPR
- Worm-Like Caecilian Moms Make Milk for Their Babies The New York Times
- Not just mammals: A species of snake found to feed milk to young The Washington Post
- First amphibian that feeds milk to young discovered Yahoo! Voices
- These Amphibians Feed Their Offspring "Milk" From Their Behinds And Let Them Eat Their Skin IFLScience
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