Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara [Hardcover]

Lizard reproduction: A history of discovery. The phylogeny of lizard families. Pheromones and chemical communication in lizards. Sexual selection and sexual dimorphism. Cues for reproduction in squamate reptiles. Female reproductive anatomy: cloaca, oviduct, and sperm storage. Female reproductive cycles. Oogenesis. Discovery of parthenogenesis in lizards. Male reproductive anatomy: the gonads, gonadoducts, sexual segment of the kidney, and cloaca. Male reproductive cycles. The architecture of the testis, spermatogenesis, and mature spermatozoa. Evolutionary ecology of reproductive investment in lizards. Viviparity and placentation in lizards. The complexity of understanding patterns of multiple paternity in lizards. The evolutionary ecology of parental care in lizards. Reproductive anatomy and cycles of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), an intriguing non-squamate lepidosaur. The ultrastructure of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa of the tuatara Sphenodon punctatus (Sphenodontidae: Amniota).

Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara is a remarkable compendium of chapters written by the world's leading experts from over four continents. The book begins with a chapter recounting historical discoveries in reproductive biology and a review of phylogenetics and up-to-date hypotheses concerning evolutionary relationships among lizards.

Following these chapters are detailed reviews with additional new data concerning chemical communication, sexual selection, reproductive cues, female reproductive anatomy, female reproductive cycles, oogenesis, parthenogenesis, male reproductive anatomy, male reproductive cycles, spermatogenesis, reproductive investment, viviparity and placentation, multiple paternity, and parental care.

The book culminates in two chapters on tuatara reproduction giving unique insight into evolutionary patterns in replC6