Sleep in amphibians and reptiles: a review and a preliminary analysis of evolutionary patterns.

A Review of Phenological Patterns of Amphibians and Reptiles in Central Mediterranean Ecoregion

Plasticity and genetic adaptation mediate amphibian and reptile responses to climate change

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation are predicted to mitigate some of the negative biotic consequences of climate change. Here, we evaluate evidence for plastic and evolutionary responses to climate variation in amphibians and reptiles via a literature review and meta-analysis. We included studies that either document phenotypic changes through time or space. Plasticity had a clear and...

Tempo and Mode of the Evolution of Venom and Poison in Tetrapods

Toxic weaponry in the form of venom and poison has evolved in most groups of animals, including all four major lineages of tetrapods. Moreover, the evolution of such traits has been linked to several key aspects of the biology of toxic animals including life-history and diversification. Despite this, attempts to investigate the macroevolutionary patterns underlying such weaponry are lacking. In...

Evolutionary insights into the regulation of courtship behavior in male amphibians and reptiles.

Comparative studies of species differences and similarities in the regulation of courtship behavior afford an understanding of evolutionary pressures and constraints shaping reproductive processes and the relative contributions of hormonal, genetic, and ecological factors. Here, we review species differences and similarities in the control of courtship and copulatory behaviors in male amphibian...

Effects of Climate Change in Amphibians and Reptiles

During the past decade it has been documented that the average of earth temperature increased 6 °C in a period of 100 years. The higher amount of this phenomenon has been recorded between 1910 and 1945 and, from 1976 to present date (Jones, 1999; Kerr, 1995; Oechel et al., 1994; Thomason, 1995). From 1976 to present the temperature rising has been the faster recorded in the last 10,000 years (J...