The use of the Gompertz curve in an analysis of the dynamics of lizard tail regeneration

Abstract

The application of “least square fit” analysis to time curves of regenerate length provides insight into the effects of temperature, photoperiod, and age on the rate and extent of tail regeneration in Anolis carolinensis. The results of different experimental regimes are indicated by two parameters of the Gompertz equation in a precise, repeatable manner. One parameter reflects some aspect of the regenerative process during the period prior to measureable elongation ( e.g. during the period of blastema initiation and/or formation) and is responsible for the wide variability in final regenerate length reported previously. This parameter appears to be lognormally distributed throughout the population. The other parameter is essentially constant for all animals under a given set of environmental conditions, but varies with environmental conditions. Equations derived from the Gompertz function permit prediction of the progress of individual regenerates. Improved methods for standardizing reporting and comparison of rates of regeneration in different experimental groups and species are suggested.