Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes

About this book

Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes covers a wide range of topics on snake reproduction and phylogeny, from primordial germ cell migration in developing embryos to semelparity (death following a single reproduction) in the Aspic Viper. Two chapters present different approaches to snake phylogenetics, one incorporating morphological characters and the other taking a strictly molecular approach.

The opening chapter reviews the history of reproductive studies on snakes, and other chapters review and present new findings on development, placentation, spermatogenesis, male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal control of reproduction, reproductive cycles, sex pheromones, and parental care.

Contents

History of Reproductive Studies on Snakes: G. Nilson
Evolution and Taxonomy of Snakes: F.T. Burbrink and B. Crother
The Major Clades of Living Snakes: Morphological Evolution, Molecular Phylogeny, and Divergence Dates: J.D. Scanlon and M.S.Y. Lee
Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis: M.E. White
Viviparity and Placentation in Snakes: D.G. Blackburn and J.R. Stewart
The Ophidian Testis, Spermatogenesis, and Mature Spermatozoa: K.M. Gribbins and J.L. Rheubert
Hormones and Reproduction in Free-Ranging Snakes: D.F. DeNardo and E.N. Taylor
Neuroendorcrine Control of Reproduction in Snakes: R.W. Krohmer and D.I. Lutterschmidt
Female Reproductive Anatomy: Cloaca, Oviduct, and Sperm Storage: D.S. Siegel, A. Miralles, R.E. Chabarria and R.D.Aldridge
Male Urogenital Ducts and Cloacal Anatomy: S.E. Trauth and D.M. Sever
The Sexual Segment of the Kidney: R.D. Aldridge, D.S. Siegel, B.C. Jellen
Reproductive Cycles of Tropical Snakes: T. Mathies
Pheromones in Snakes: History, Patterns and Future Research Directions: M.R. Parker and R.T. Mason
Offspring Size Variation in Snakes: N.B. Ford and R.A. Seigel
IGF-1 and Reproduction in Snakes: A.M. Sparkman, A.M. Bronikowski, and N.B. Ford
Paternity Patterns: B.C. Jellen and R.D. Aldridge
The Evolution of Semelparity: X. Bonnet
Parental Care in Snakes: Z.R. Stahlschmidt and D.F. DeNardo

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