Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
8-2018
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Rebecca A. Pyles
Committee Members
Dr. James R. Stewart, Dr. Thomas C. Jones
Abstract
Viviparity has evolved multiple times within squamates. Eggshells are reduced in viviparous forms, which reduces calcium available to embryos during development. This study tested the hypothesis that reduced calcium impacts neonates of viviparous forms. Developmental series from oviparous and viviparous populations of Zootoca vivipara (reproductively bimodal) were cleared & stained to reveal bone development. Photographs (high magnification, calibrated to size) were used to obtain measurements of lengths of the body, humerus, femur, skull and lower jaw, and of ossified portions of limb bones. Percent ossification was scored for targeted skull bones. Results were analyzed using general linear models and revealed no differences in ossification in either limbs or skull. Overall size of oviparous neonates was significantly larger. Findings do not support our hypothesis and indicate that reduction in eggshell calcium in embryos of viviparous populations does not negatively impact limb or skull ossification during development but may influence overall size.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Tedder, Amanda, "Impact of Reproductive Mode on Skeletal Development in a Reproductively Bimodal Squamate Species" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3468. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3468
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.