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7 Animals That Can Regenerate Body Parts

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

Axolotl
Axolotl in an aquarium. Image via Depositphotos.

Nature is full of wonders. Some animals have a unique ability to regenerate body parts. This skill fascinates scientists and nature lovers alike. In this post, we explore seven such animals. Each has its own method of regrowing parts, showcasing nature’s incredible diversity.

Axolotl

Axolotl
These endemic species from Mexico are in the Ambystomatidae family. They are endangered. Image via Amandasofiarana, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The axolotl is a type of salamander. It can regenerate limbs, spinal cord, heart, and other organs. Found in Mexican lakes, this amphibian remains in its larval stage throughout its life. Despite its regenerative powers, the axolotl is critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Starfish

Invertebrates: starfish
Starfish on a beach sand near water. Image via Depositphotos

Starfish, or sea stars, can regrow lost arms. They can even regenerate an entire body from a single arm. This process can take up to a year. Found in various oceans, starfish play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, often as predators of shellfish.

Planarian

Planarian
Image by Eduard Solà – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9665899

Planarians are flatworms known for their regenerative abilities. If cut into pieces, each piece can grow into a new worm. This is due to their abundance of stem cells. Found in freshwater, these worms are often used in scientific research to study regeneration.

Green Iguana

iguana
Å green iguana (physignatus coccincinus) relaxing in the sun. Image via Depositphotos.

Green iguanas can regenerate their tails. This ability helps them escape predators by shedding their tails. The new tail is usually shorter and different in color. Native to Central and South America, green iguanas are popular pets but can be invasive in non-native areas.

Deer

Red deer stag walking in the forest.
Red deer stag walking in the forest. Image via Depositphotos.

Deer can regenerate their antlers every year. This process is one of the fastest examples of regeneration in mammals. Antlers grow back larger each year until maturity. Found worldwide, deer use their antlers for fighting during mating season and for defense.

African Spiny Mouse

African Spiny Mouse.
African Spiny Mouse. Image by Marcel Burkhard alias cele4, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

The African spiny mouse has an impressive ability to regenerate skin, hair, and ear tissue. This helps them escape predators by shedding skin when caught. Found in Africa, these rodents are studied for insights into wound healing and tissue regeneration in humans.

Sea Cucumber

Sea Cucumber
Sea Cucumber out of water. Image via Pexels

Sea cucumbers can expel and regenerate their internal organs. This defense mechanism helps them escape predators. The expelled organs are later regenerated. Sea cucumbers are important for nutrient recycling in marine ecosystems and are found on ocean floors worldwide.

Conclusion

largest axolotl
This photo captures the curious and friendly personality of an axolotl, also known as the “Mexican walking fish” Image by Mattias Banguese via Unsplash

These animals show nature’s remarkable ability to regenerate. From axolotls to sea cucumbers, each species has a unique method of regrowth. Their abilities inspire scientific research and offer hope for medical advancements. Nature’s resilience is a reminder of life’s incredible adaptability and survival.

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