Comparative Vertebrate Reproduction

1: Introduction to Vertebrate Reproductive Biology.- and Overview.- An Interdisciplinary Science.- Reproduction and Vertebrate Diversity.- Limitations of the Literature.- Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy.- Homology, Analogy, and Homoplasy.- Reproduction and Natural Selection.- A Comparative Perspective.- Synopsis of the Living Vertebrate Orders.- 2: Sex and Sexual Differentiation.- and Overview.- Acquiring the Sexual Phenotype.- Genetic Basis of Sex Determination.- Hormonal Influences on Sexual Differentiation.- Environmental Influences.- The Sex Ratio.- Sex Allocation.- 3: Modes of Reproduction.- and Overview.- The Vertebrate Life Cycle.- Sexual Reproduction.- Unisexual Reproduction.- Polyembryony.- 4: Urogenital Structure and Integration.- and Overview.- The Urinary Component.- Urogenital Organization and Integration.- The Cloaca and Its Associations.- 5: Gametes and Their Production.- and Overview.- Male Gametes.- Female Gametes.- 6: Reproductive Regulation.- and Overview.- Modes of Integration and Control.- Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones.- External Regulation of Cyclicity.- 7: Fertilization and Cleavage.- and Overview.- Fertilization.- Cleavage.- 8: Embryogenesis.- and Overview.- Organization of Vertebrate Blastulae.- The Vertebrate Developmental Common Plan.- Gastrulation.- Organogenesis.- Extraembryonic Membranes.- Embryonic Diapause.- 9: Ovuliparity and Modes of Embryo Retention.- and Overview.- Ovuliparity.- Embryo Retention.- Regulation of Embryo Retention and Parturition.- 10: Embryonic Nutrition and Placentation.- and Overview.- Lecithotrophy.- Matrotrophy.- 11: Postpartum Care of Young.- and Overview.- Parental Care.- Postpartum Nutrient Provision.- 12: Life Histories.- and Overview.- Life History Traits.- Evolution of Life Histories.- 13: Mating Systems andReproductive Ecology.- and Overview.- Mating Systems.- Mating Behaviors.- Reproductive Ecology.- References.