Reproduction of Amphibians

About this book

This book deals with reproduction of Amphibians belonging to three extant orders: Caecilians (Jean-Marie Exbrayat, Universite Catolique de Lyon, France), Salamanders (Mari Carmen Uribe Aranzabal, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico), and Frogs and Toads (Maria Ogielska and Jolanta Bartamnska, University of Wroclaw, Poland). Separate chapters have been written for males and females; the chapters describe gonad structure and development, gametogenesis, urogenital connections, and reproductive tracts.

The authors have provided a synthesis of the literature data and results of their own studies. The text is illustrated with original schemes and photographs and focuses on anatomy, histology, cytology, and molecular mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis and reproductive cycles. The first chapter is devoted to the origin of somatic and germ cells during formation of undifferentiated gonads. The last chapter deals with embryonic and postembryonic development, direct development, neoteny, and modifications of gametogenesis and meiosis in hybrids and polyploids (hybridogenesis and gynogenesis). The book will interest all reproductive biologists and biologists working on amphibians.

Contents

The Undifferentiated Amphibian Gonad
- Formation of gonads in amphibians
- Spermatogeneiss and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia
 
Anura
- Structure of testis in Anura
- Sperm collecting ducts and urogenital connections
- Spermatogenesis in Anura
- Regulation of spermatogenesis in Anura
- Spermatogenesis and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia

Urodela
- Structure of testis in Urodela
- Urogenital connections
- Spermatogenesis in Urodela
- Spermatogenesis and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia

Gymnophiona
- Introduction
- Structure of testis in Gymnophiona
- Urogenital connections
- Spermatogenesis in Gymnophiona
- Age of sexual maturity
- Hormonal control of spermatogenesis
- Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia

Anura
- Structure of ovaries in Anura
- Female reproductive tract
- Oogenesis in Anura
- Regulation of oogenesis in Anura
- Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia

Urodela
- Structure of ovary in Urodela
- Female reproductive tract
- Oogenesis
- Postovulatory ovary
- Atretic follicles
- Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia

Gymnophiona
- Structure of ovaries in Gymnophiona
- Female reproductive tract in Gymnophiona
- Oogenesis in Gymnophiona
- Hormonal control of reproduction

Development and Reproduction of Amphibian

Species, Hybrids, and Polyploids
- Early devlopment
- Postembryonic development
- Direct development
- Reproduction of larvae (neoteny)
- Hybridization
- Polyploidy
- Reproduction of hybrids and allopolyploids
- Hybridogenesis
- Development and viability of hybrid progeny

Customer Reviews