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Lizard Reproductive System (view source)
Revision as of 13:37, 25 February 2010
, 13:37, 25 February 2010no edit summary
==Sexing==
==Sexing==
Gender identification is juvenile animals may be challenging; however, most lizard species display sexual dimorphism as adults. Most adult male lizards have large femoral and precloacal pores on the ventral aspect of the thighs; on the other hand, adult females have smaller, more discrete pores, similar to those seen in juvenile male lizards.
'''Male'''
'''Male'''
A row of femoral pores can be seen on the medial aspect of the thigh in many families of lizard. The waxy secretion of cellular debris produced is thought by some to have territorial scent marking significance and by others to prevent the male sliding on the belly of the female during coitus (see also preanal pore).
A row of femoral pores can be seen on the medial aspect of the thigh in many families of lizard. The waxy secretion of cellular debris produced is thought by some to have territorial scent marking significance and by others to prevent the male sliding on the belly of the female during coitus (see also preanal pore).
Mature adult male iguanas have taller dorsal spines than females, as well as larger dewlaps and operculum scales. Elaborate head ornamentation (horns, crests and plates) can be seen in adult male chameleons but not in females. Generally, for most lizard species, males are larger than their female counterparts or have larger heads, bigger crests, brighter colours, or erectable dewlaps.
'''Female'''
'''Female'''
Females have paired ovaries and oviducts. The oviduct is divided into four regions: infundibulum; magnus (secretes albumin); uterus (secretes membrane); and vagina. Dystocia is common and may be pre-ovulatory or post-ovulatory.
Females have paired ovaries and oviducts, which enter into the urodeum of the cloaca. The oviduct is divided into four regions: infundibulum; magnus (secretes albumin); uterus (secretes membrane); and vagina. Dystocia is common and may be pre-ovulatory or post-ovulatory.