Dopamine Antagonist Speeds Up Tail Regeneration in Lizards Exposed to Continuous Darkness: Evidence for Prolactin Involvement

Ndukuba, P. I.; Ramachandran, A. V.

doi:10.3181/00379727-192-42969

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Over the last 20 years, researchers have investigated the physiology of regeneration (e.g. Ndukuba & Ramachandran, 1989;Oppliger & Clobert, 1997;Clause & Capaldi, 2006;Naya & Bozinovic, 2006, Naya et al, 2007, but we have been unsuccessful in finding studies that have examined ecological or adaptive explanations of differences in tail regeneration rates between different lizard taxa. Investigation of the factors influencing relative rates of regeneration in other lizard taxa would be worthy of further study.…”

Section: Does the Facility With Which Autotomy Takes Place Vary? Regementioning

confidence: 99%

To cut a long tail short: a review of lizard caudal autotomy studies carried out over the last 20 years

2008

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Caudal autotomy, the ability to shed the tail, is common in lizards as a response to attempted predation. Since Arnold's substantial review of caudal autotomy as a defence in reptiles 20 years ago, our understanding of the costs associated with tail loss has increased dramatically. In this paper, we review the incidence of caudal autotomy among lizards (Reptilia Sauria) with particular reference to questions posed by Arnold. We examine tail break frequencies and factors that determine occurrence of autotomy in natural populations (including anatomical mechanisms, predation efficiency and intensity, microhabitat preference, sex and ontogenetic differences, as well as intraspecific aggression). We also summarize the costs associated with tail loss in terms of survivorship and reproduction, focusing on potential mechanisms that influence fitness (i.e. locomotion costs, behavioural responses and metabolic costs). Finally, we examine the factors that may influence the facility with which autotomy takes place, including regeneration rate, body form and adaptive behaviour. Taking Arnold's example, we conclude with proposals for future research.

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