Evolution of viviparity in montane reptiles

Abstract:

Transition from oviparity to viviparity in squamate reptiles offers an ideal model system to explore adaptationist hypotheses. The primary stimulus for the evolution of viviparity seems to be the invasion of cold climates. The strong correlation between viviparity and cold climates suggests that the selective force for viviparity involves incubation temperature. In an attempt to test the" cold-climate" hypothesis for the evolution of reptilian viviparity, the author performed laboratory and field experiments with the oviparous Australian three-lined skink Bassiana duperreyi. The effects of low-temperature incubation and brief retention at higher temperatures (to stimulate uterine retention) were investigated. Eggs incubated at higher temperatures completed development sooner, and" uterine retention" accelerated hatching to a greater degree in eggs that were then transferred to lower rather than higher incubation temperatures …

Año de publicación:

2003

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