The Reproduction of Vertebrates

The Reproduction of Vertebrates describes the vertebrate reproductive systems in an evolutionary sequence and according to taxonomic classes. This book is divided into seven chapters; each chapter tackles a specific vertebrate class. This text specifically considers fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and man. Discussions in each chapter include these species’ evolutionary history, classification, external indications of sex, mating, fertilization, development, endocrinology, breeding seasons, sexual maturation, migration, response to environmental factors, and economic importance. The concluding chapter presents the comparative aspects of reproduction of these vertebrates. This text is of great value to teachers and students who are interested in the vertebrate reproductive system.

Preface

1. Fish

Evolutionary History

Classification of Living Fish

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

Mating and Fertilization

The Placement of Eggs and Their Parental Care

Development inside the Female ( Ovoviviparity and Viviparity)

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Sexual Maturation and Frequency of Breeding by Individuals

Environmental Factors and Fish Breeding

Migration and Breeding

Economic Importance of the Study of Fish Reproduction

2. Amphibians

Evolutionary History

Classification

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

Mating and Fertilization

Location of Eggs and Their Care after Spawning

Development inside the Female

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Sexual Maturation and Frequency of Individual Reproduction

Environmental Factors

Migration and Breeding

Hibernation, Aestivation, and Breeding

3. Reptiles

Evolutionary History

Classification

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

Courtship, Copulation, and Fertilization

The Cleidoic ( Amniote ) Egg and the Removal of Nitrogenous Wastes

The Types, Care, and Hatching of Eggs

Development inside the Female

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Puberty and Frequency of Breeding by the Individual

Environmental Factors and Breeding

Migration and Breeding

Hibernation, Aestivation, and Breeding

Economic Importance

4. Birds

Evolutionary History

Classification

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

Territory, Courtship, and Nest Construction

Copulation and Fertilization

The Avian Egg

Egg Laying and Clutch Size

Incubation and Hatching

Parental Care and Survival after Hatching

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Age to Sexual Maturity

Environmental Factors in Breeding

Migration and Breeding

Economic Value of Avian Breeding

5. Mammals

Evolutionary History

Classification

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

The Estrous Cycle

Copulation and Fertilization

Pregnancy and Placentation

Delayed Implantation

Parturition

Litter Size

Lactation and Parental Care

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Puberty and Frequency of Breeding by Individuals

Environmental Factors and Breeding

Migration and Breeding

Hibernation and Breeding

Economic Importance of Mammalian Breeding

Artificial Control of Mammalian Breeding

6. Man

Evolutionary History and Classification

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

The Menstrual Cycle

Copulation and Fertilization

The Control of Human Fertility

Pregnancy

Parturition

Lactation

Endocrinology

Breeding Seasons

Puberty and Length of Reproductive Life

7. Comparative Aspects of Vertebrate Reproduction

Gonads and Their Ducts

External Indications of Sex

Courtship, Copulation, and Fertilization

Eggs and Their Care

Viviparity

Breeding Seasons and the Environment

Bibliography

Subject Index