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Masters of Regeneration: These Death-Defying Animals Can Regrow Body Parts Better Than Deadpool

By: Debbie Graham
Originally Published in  
Discover Wildlife
A type of salamander known as an axolotl
© Getty
Vocabulary

Regrow (verb): To grow back after being lost or damaged.

Axolotl (noun): A kind of salamander.

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or leg just like a superhero! Some animals can do just that, and their abilities are truly amazing. Let's dive into the world of these incredible creatures.

Lizards

These reptiles have a special trick up their sleeves. If a lizard loses its tail, it can grow a new one! This helps them escape from predators. When a predator grabs its tail, the lizard can drop it and run away. Later, a new tail starts to grow, and soon it's as good as new.

Starfish

Starfish are not only beautiful but also have an incredible ability to regrow their arms. If a starfish loses an arm, it can grow a new one. Sometimes, a single arm can even grow into a whole new starfish! This makes them very special in the animal kingdom.

Flatworms

These tiny creatures are like magic. If you cut a flatworm into pieces, each piece can become a new flatworm! It's like having a superpower. Scientists are still trying to understand how they do this, but it's truly amazing.

Axolotls

An axolotls is a cute little animal that looks like a smiling fish. Axolotls can regrow their legs, tail, and even parts of their heart and brain. If they get hurt, they can heal themselves and grow back the missing parts. This makes them very special and unique.

Immortal Jellyfish

These jellyfish can turn back into babies and start their life all over again. It's like hitting the rewind button on a video! Even if they die, their cells can grow into new jellyfish. This makes them very tough and able to survive in the ocean.

Hydractinia

These tiny animals live on the shells of snails. If they lose their heads, they can grow new ones! They have special cells called stem cells that help them regrow their body parts. This makes them very special and able to survive even if they get hurt.

These animals are truly amazing with their special powers. They show us that nature is full of wonders and surprises.

© Debbie Graham / Our Media