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Year-round spermatogenic activity in an oviparous subterranean caecilian, Boulengerula taitanus Loveridge 1935 (Amphibia Gymnophiona Caeciliidae)
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Measey, G. John Smita, Mathew Beyo, Reston S. Oommen, Oommen V. |
| Copyright Year | 2008 |
| Abstract | Amphibian spermatogenic cycles are best known from mass breeding anurans and urodeles which have annual cycles featuring both active and quiescent periods. Spermatogenesis of caecilian amphibians is less well known, but recent studies have revealed similar annual cycles for tropical Indian species which have aquatic larvae. Here we report our findings for a direct-developing, oviparous caeciliid from the Taita Hills, Kenya. We investigated the testes of a year-round collection of Boulengerula taitanus Loveridge 1935 using morphological and histological testicular features to determine the size at maturity and presence of seasonal activity in this species. Testes volume, but not number, was directly related to total body volume, and a slight but significant asymmetry was found. Histological investigations revealed active spermatogenesis throughout the year, with subtle seasonal variations which are described. The smallest male showing signs of active testes was 227 mm long while the proportion of testes to body volume increased dramatically between 220 and 240 mm total length. This is the first caecilian to be examined which shows year round spermatogenic activity with no regression or recrudescence of the testes. Our study highlights the paradox between clearly seasonal female reproductive activity and continuously spermatogenically active males. This in turn prompts questions concerning the decoupling of mating and egg-laying in this and other caecilian species. |
| Starting Page | 109 |
| Ending Page | 122 |
| Page Count | 14 |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Volume Number | 21 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://www.fupress.net/index.php/tropicalzoology/article/download/2567/2366 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://john.measey.com/pdf/Measey_et_al_2008.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
