Dictionary > Autotomy

Autotomy

Definition
noun
(1) (zoology) The intentional separation of a body part, usually as a protective evading mechanism against predators
(2) Self-amputation
Supplement
Autotomy is an animal behavior characterized by the intentional shedding of a body part, particularly its appendages. This behavior is postulated to be associated with the animal’s self-defense mechanism. Shedding body part increases the chances of an animal to evade its predator by distracting the latter or by escaping from the grasp of its predator. Typically, the body part that is shed is grown back later through regeneration. For instance, geckos, skinks, lizards, salamanders, and tuatara have the ability to shed their tail especially when grasped by their predator. In doing so, they would be able to flee from their predator and regrow the tail later. The detached tail would wriggle and believed to be a protective mechanism in terms of distracting the attention of the predator away from the fleeing animal. Some of them, such as certain species of geckos, return to eat their detached tail after having successfully evaded their predators. There are other animals, though, that make use of autotomy not only for self-defense. Certain species of male octopuses shed their arm, i.e. the hectocotylus, for mating and reproduction purposes.
Word origin: Greek auto– (self) + tome (severing)
Synonym(s):

  • self-amputation

Mentioned in:

  • abscission


  • You will also like...

    Chemical effects on plant growth and development
    Effect of Chemicals on Growth & Development in Organisms

    Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and developme..

    Biological Energy
    ATP & ADP – Biological Energy

    ATP is the energy source that is typically used by an organism in its daily activities. The name is based on its structu..

    "Cronopio dentiacutus", a prehistoric mammal (an illustration)
    Mammalian Ancestors

    Mammals are a diverse group of organisms, where most of them develop their offspring within the uterus of the mother. Ov..

    Neural Control Mechanisms
    Neural Control Mechanisms

    Neurons generate electric signals that they pass along to the other neurons or target tissues. In this tutorial, you wil..

    mRNA
    Protein Synthesis

    Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. mRNA, a type of RNA, is produced as a transcri..

    Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
    Independent Assortment and Crossing Over

    This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics