Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes

David M. Sever, Robert D. Aldridge

History of Reproductive Studies on Snakes. Evolution and Taxonomy of Snakes. The Major Clades of Living Snakes: Morphological Evolution, Molecular Phylogeny, and Divergence Dates. Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis. Viviparity and Placentation in Snakes. The Ophidian Testis, Spermatogenesis, and Mature Spermatozoa. Hormones and Reproduction in Free-Ranging Snakes. Neuroendorcrine Control of Reproduction in Snakes. Female Reproductive Anatomy: Cloaca, Oviduct, and Sperm Storage. Male Urogenital Ducts and Cloacal Anatomy. The Sexual Segment of the Kidney. Reproductive Cycles of Tropical Snakes. Pheromones in Snakes: History, Patterns and Future Research Directions. Offspring Size Variation in Snakes. IGF-1 and Reproduction in Snakes. Paternity Patterns. The Evolution of Semelparity. Parental Care in Snakes.