Abstract

Sceloporus bicanthalis is a viviparous lizard that inhabits high altitude temperate zone habitats in Mexico. Our histological observations indicate that adult males exhibit spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis throughout the year; no seasonal differences were found in testes mass, height of epididymal epithelial cells, and number of layers of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids. Seminiferous tubules exhibited slight, but statistically significant, seasonal variation in diameter. Continuous spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis of S. bicanthalis differ from the cyclical pattern exhibited by most species of lizards and from lizard species sympatric with S. bicanthalis. Continuous reproductive activity of males of S. bicanthalis, and maturation at a relatively small size, is associated with a female reproductive activity in which vitellogenic or pregnant females are present in the population during all months of the year. As a consequence, males can encounter potential mates as soon...

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.