Reptilian Incubation is the first scientific review dedicated to this critical aspect of reproduction in reptiles. All reptilian groups, i.e. chelonians, squamates, tuatara and crocodilians, are covered in this review that primarily focuses on natural incubation. The evolution and fossil record of reptilian incubation are discussed in the first chapter. Subsequently, topics include the nest location and environment, the characteristics and composition of eggs and the patterns of embryonic development. The effects of incubation temperature on development are described in detail, as are the water relations of eggs. One chapter concentrates on the energetics of reptilian development. Another deals with behaviour associated with nest selection and its effects on embryonic development and survival whilst the more long-term effects of incubation on gender and other hatchling phenotypic characteristics are reviewed later. The penultimate chapter reviews artificial techniques for the incubation of reptile eggs whereas the final chapter seeks to highlight areas for further research. The authors are leading authorities in their respective fields from around the world.
Contents
- Reptilian incubation: evolution and the fossil record
- Thermal, hydric and respiratory climate of nests
- Egg morphology and composition
- Patterns of embryonic development
- Effects of incubation temperature
- Water in reptilian eggs and hatchlings
- Energy provision and utilization
- Adaptive consequences of developmental plasticity
- Temperature-dependent sex determination
- Post-hatching phenotypic effects of incubation
- Artificial incubation
- Perspectives in reptilian incubation
- Subject index
- Taxonomic index