Influence of the evolution of viviparity on eggshell morphology in the lizard Lerista bougainvillii

Journal of Morphology
Carl P Qualls

Abstract

In reptiles, the evolutionary transition from egg-laying to live-bearing is thought to involve a gradual increase in the duration of egg retention, with progressively more development occurring prior to oviposition, and culminating in the birth of fully developed offspring. However, prolonging the retention of fully-shelled eggs within the oviducts may pose serious gas-exchange problems for the embryos. Thus, evolutionary increases in the period of intrauterine retention may require correlated decreases in the thickness of eggshells and/or their degree of calcification to allow for adequate embryonic gas exchange. To test this evolutionary model, eggs of three distinct reproductive forms of the scincid lizard Lerista bougainvillii were examined to determine the evolutionary relationships between the thickness of the shell membrane, degree of eggshell calcification, and the duration of uterine egg retention. These comparisons revealed the predicted pattern of correlated shifts in eggshell morphology and embryonic stage at oviposition. Evolutionary increases in the duration of egg retention were accompanied by decreases in the thickness of the eggshell membrane and degree of eggshell calcification. This evolutionary model suggest...Continue Reading

References

Feb 1, 1977·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·G C PackardJ J Roth

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Citations

Oct 7, 2004·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Tom W EcayDaniel G Blackburn
Apr 4, 2019·Biology Letters·Melanie K LairdCamilla M Whittington
Apr 16, 2018·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Henrique B BrazMichael B Thompson
Jun 5, 2003·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Tobias Uller
Sep 4, 2009·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Brent J LinvilleMichael B Thompson
Dec 8, 2005·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Michael B Thompson, Brian K Speake
May 26, 2011·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Qiong WuChristopher R Murphy
May 15, 2015·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Daniel G Blackburn
Mar 4, 2015·Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution·Oliver W GriffithMichael B Thompson
Aug 4, 2009·The Journal of Experimental Biology·James R StewartBenoit Heulin
Jan 13, 2001·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology·D G Blackburn

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