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Placentation in the Viviparous Lizard Trachylepis vittata from Lebanon

Fida Nassar

Abstract


Placentation was investigated in the viviparous lizard Trachylepis vittata in two populations from distinct locations in Lebanon: an isolated coastal population from Tripoli Palm Island — and a continental high altitude population from Mount Sannine. No differences in the formation of extraembryonic membranes were found between the two locations. Histological examination showed a type I chorioallantoic placenta and an omphaloplacenta. Viviparity does not limit the altitudinal distribution of T. vittata and is not accompanied by a highly specialized placental structure.

Keywords


viviparity; extraembryonic membranes; chorioallantois; lecithotrophy; isolated yolk mass.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2017-24-1-49-53

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