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Spermatogenesis in Sceloporus variabilis (Squamata, Phrynosomatidae): A non‐quiescent pattern
Author(s) -
GranadosGonzález Gisela,
VillagránSantaCruz Maricela,
PeñaHerrera Eric,
Rheubert Justin L.,
Gribbins Kevin M.,
HernándezGallegos Oswaldo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/azo.12229
Subject(s) - biology , abiotic component , ecology , habitat , temperate climate , phenology , zoology , squamata , population , demography , sociology
Gaining a deeper understanding of spermatogenic cycles within squamates has aided in our knowledge of the controls of reproduction and has bettered our understanding of reproductive phenology. One of the most studied genera of squamates, Sceloporus , is widely distributed along a latitudinal and elevational gradient in temperate, tropical, low‐elevation and high‐elevation habitats. Due to this wide distribution and varying habitats, Sceloporus exhibit differences in their spermatogenic activity (including both cyclical and acyclical patterns) and may be one of the most useful genera for understanding the abiotic correlations with spermatogenesis. The spermatogenic activity in Sceloporus variabilis was studied histologically (in a population that inhabits a tropical region at Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico) and found to exhibit a unique cyclical pattern with an extended period of maximum activity (from November to July) and the absence of regression and quiescence. Furthermore, these data corroborate previous works on the spermatogenic cycles of S . variabilis despite different populations utilised. These data suggest that although abiotic factors may play a role in the timing of spermatogenesis, phylogenetic signal may be equally as important. More data concerning spermatogenic cycles in phylogenetically related taxa from differing habitats will elucidate the patterns of spermatogenic diversity.