Unlike on most salamanders, this part of a newt is flat?

The story behind the answer

Tail. Newts are salamanders, but unlike most salamander species—which have round, cylindrical tails—newts have laterally flattened (leaf-like) tails. This streamlined shape acts like a fin, giving powerful side-to-side thrust for swimming. It’s especially pronounced in the aquatic phase and in males during breeding, when a higher tail crest further improves propulsion and display.

Remember it this way: “Newt needs a paddle.” The newt’s flat tail is its built-in paddle for life in ponds and slow streams, while its head, teeth, and feet remain typical for salamanders. Newts’ life cycle shifts between land (eft stage) and water, and their tail shape is a key adaptation that makes them strong, efficient swimmers.