Frequency of tail loss does not reflect innate predisposition in temperate New Zealand lizards

Kelly Hare, Kimberly Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Caudal autotomy (tail shedding) is a defence mechanism against predation which is used by lizards when other tactics, such as crypsis and escape, prove ineffective. The speed at which autotomy occurs has important implications for survival, and the accuracy of tail loss is of consequence for an individual s future fitness.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197 - 203
Number of pages7
JournalNaturwissenschaften
Volume97
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Cite this