Covering 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. Rife with illustrations and color plates, this book offers comparative chapters on snake phylognetics examining morphological characteristics alongside strictly molecular concerns.
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, and 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
Saint Louis University, Missouri, USA Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, USA
Reviews for Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes
This volume is currently one of the best sources of information about phylogeny and reproduction of snakes. -Hartmut Greven, in Acta Biologica Benrodis