Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny Series

Offering coverage of a wide range of topics on snake reproduction and phylogeny, this comprehensive book discusses everything from primordial germ migration in developing embryos to semelparity (death after reproduction) in the aspic viper. Beginning with a review of the history of snake reproductive studies, it presents new findings on development, placentation, spermatogenesis, male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal control of reproduction, reproductive cycles, sex pheromones, and parental care. An indispensible reference, this book offers comparative chapters on snake phylognetics examining morphological characteristics alongside strictly molecular concerns. It is rife with illustrations and color plates.

History of Reproductive Studies on Snakes. Evolution and Taxonomy of Snakes. The Major Clades of Living Snakes: Morphological Evolution, Molecular Phylogeny, and Divergence Dates. Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis. Viviparity and Placentation in Snakes. The Ophidian Testis, Spermatogenesis, and Mature Spermatozoa. Hormones and Reproduction in Free-Ranging Snakes. Neuroendorcrine Control of Reproduction in Snakes. Female Reproductive Anatomy: Cloaca, Oviduct, and Sperm Storage. Male Urogenital Ducts and Cloacal Anatomy. The Sexual Segment of the Kidney. Reproductive Cycles of Tropical Snakes. Pheromones in Snakes: History, Patterns and Future Research Directions. Offspring Size Variation in Snakes. IGF-1 and Reproduction in Snakes. Paternity Patterns. The Evolution of Semelparity. Parental Care in Snakes.