Tail development and regeneration throughout the life cycle of the four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum

Journal of Morphology
Janet L VagliaR N Harris

Abstract

The salamander tail displays different functions and morphologies in the aquatic and terrestrial stages of species with complex life cycles. During metamorphosis the function of the tail changes; the larval tail functions in aquatic locomotion while the juvenile and adult tail exhibits tail autotomy and fat storage functions. Because tail injury is common in the aquatic environment, we hypothesized that mechanisms have evolved to prevent altered larval tail morphology from affecting normal juvenile tail morphology. The hypothesis that injury to the larval tail would not affect juvenile tail morphology was investigated by comparing tail development and regeneration in Hemidactylium scutatum (Caudata: Plethodontidae). The experimental design included larvae with uninjured tails and with cut tails to simulate natural predation. The morphological variables analyzed to compare normally developing and regenerating tails were 1) tail length, 2) number of caudal vertebrae, and 3) vertebral centrum length. Control and experimental groups do not differ in time to metamorphosis or snout-vent length. Tails of experimental individuals are shorter than controls, yet they display a significantly higher rate of tail growth and less resorption ...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 21, 2007·Evolution & Development·Gregory R HandriganRichard J Wassersug
Sep 5, 2020·Developmental Dynamics : an Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists·Warren A VieiraCatherine D McCusker
Jan 20, 2017·Development Genes and Evolution·Janet L VagliaPaula K Evans

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