This book deals with reproduction of Amphibians belonging to three extant orders: Caecilians, Salamanders, Frogs and Toads. Separate chapters have been written for males and females; the chapters describe gonad structure and development, gametogenesis, urogenital connections, and reproductive tracts. The authors have provided a synthesis of the literature data and results of their own studies. The text is illustrated with original schemes and photographs and focuses on anatomy, histology, cytology, and molecular mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis and reproductive cycles. The first chapter is devoted to the origin of somatic and germ cells during formation of undifferentiated gonads. The last chapter deals with embryonic and postembryonic development, direct development, neoteny, and modifications of gametogenesis and meiosis in hybrids and polyploids (hybridogenesis and gynogenesis). The book will interest all reproductive biologists and biologists working on amphibians.
Formation of gonads in amphibians
Spermatogeneiss and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia
Anura
Structure of testis in Anura
Sperm collecting ducts and urogenital connections
Spermatogenesis in Anura
Regulation of spermatogenesis in Anura
Spermatogenesis and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia
Urodela
Structure of testis in Urodela
Urogenital connections
Spermatogenesis in Urodela
Spermatogenesis and Male Reproductive System in Amphibia
Gymnophiona
Introduction
Structure of testis in Gymnophiona
Urogenital connections
Spermatogenesis in Gymnophiona
Age of sexual maturity
Hormonal control of spermatogenesis
Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia
Anura
Structure of ovaries in Anura
Female reproductive tract
Oogenesis in Anura
Regulation of oogenesis in Anura
Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia
Urodela
Structure of ovary in Urodela
Female reproductive tract
Oogenesis
Postovulatory ovary
Atretic follicles
Oogenesis and Female Reproductive System in Amphibia
Gymnophiona
Structure of ovaries in Gymnophiona
Female reproductive tract in Gymnophiona
Oogenesis in Gymnophiona
Hormonal control of reproduction
Development and Reproduction of Amphibian
Species, Hybrids, and Polyploids
Early devlopment
Postembryonic development
Direct development
Reproduction of larvae (neoteny)
Hybridization
Polyploidy
Reproduction of hybrids and allopolyploids
Hybridogenesis
Development and viability of hybrid progeny
Biography
Maria Oielska