Eulamprus Research Articles

A study of the sources of nutrients for embryonic development in a viviparous lizard, Sphenomorphus quoyii

1. 1. The Eastern water skink is a viviparous lizard with a simple placenta and a large yolk sac. 2. 2. Changes in wet, dry and ash weights of developing follicles and of the egg and egg components during gestation were analysed. 3. 3. The total wet weight of the whole egg (embryo, yolk plus embryonic fluids and extraembryonic membranes) increases significantly during development. 4. 4. This increase is due to uptake of water and inorganic ions from the mother. 5. 5. Both the water and inorganic ions are incorporated into the developing embryo. 6. 6. Lipid is the principal organic material metabolized and it is estimated that there is sufficient lipid in the yolk for embryonic growth and metabolism. Relatively little protein is metabolized. 7. 7. The results show that embryos take up water and some inorganic ions from the mother but there is no evidence to suggest a dependence on the mother for organic nutrients.

The Diel Activity Cycle of the Lizard, Xantusia henshawi

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