Definition

Noun: 1. A species of aquatic salamander: Necturus maculosus is the scientific name for a permanently aquatic salamander native to North America. It is characterized by retaining its larval features, such as external gills, throughout its entire life (a condition known as neoteny). It is commonly called the mudpuppy or waterdog.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Biologists studied the Necturus maculosus to understand aquatic respiration.
  • While fishing, he accidentally caught a mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus).
  • The Necturus maculosus is easily identified by the bushy, red external gills on the sides of its head.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific and academic contexts: The term is used for precise biological classification, distinguishing it from other species within the genus .
  • The research paper focused on the habitat preferences of Necturus maculosus in the Great Lakes region.

Variants and Related Words

• Mudpuppy (n): The most common vernacular name for .
• Waterdog (n): Another common name for this salamander.
• Neoteny (n): The biological term for the retention of juvenile features in the adult animal, a key characteristic of .

Synonyms

• Mudpuppy
• Waterdog

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Salamander (n): The broader group of amphibians to which belongs.
• Amphibian (n): The class of cold-blooded vertebrates that includes salamanders, frogs, and caecilians.
• External gills (n): The feathery respiratory organs that distinguish from most other adult salamanders.

Noun

1. aquatic North American salamander with red feathery external gills