Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara

Justin L. Rheubert, Dustin S. Siegel, Stanley E. Trauth

• 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).

"Ce livre constitue un document de synthèse indispensable. Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara est une source inépuisable d’informations. C’est un ouvrage riche et complet rédigé par les meilleurs spécialistes du domaine. Nous recommandons sans réserve cet ouvrage qui est une mine d’informations mais qui s’adresse surtout aux herpétologistes confirmés."— Ivan Ineich, Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr., 2016 (Original)"This book constitutes an essential summary document. Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara is an inexhaustible source of information. It is a rich and comprehensive book written by the best specialists in the field. We wholeheartedly recommend this book, which is a wealth of information but which is primarily intended for experienced herpetologists."— Ivan Ineich, Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr., 2016 (Translated)