1st Edition

Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes

Edited By Robert D. Aldridge, David M. Sever Copyright 2011
    772 Pages 42 Color & 121 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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: 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

    Biography

    David M. Sever, Robert D. Aldridge

    "This volume is currently one of the best sources of information about phylogeny and reproduction of snakes."
    —Hartmut Greven, in Acta Biologica Benrodis