Convergent Evolution of Viviparity, Matrotrophy, and Specializations for Fetal Nutrition in Reptiles and Other Vertebrates
- D. G. Blackburn
- Biology
- 1 April 1992
Quantitative analyses based upon the superimposition of phylogenetic and reproductive data have revealed that viviparity has originated on at least 132 independent occasions among vertebrates, with…
Chorioallantoic placentation in squamate reptiles: Structure, function, development, and evolution
- D. G. Blackburn
- Biology
- 1 August 1993
Phylogenetic analyses suggest that placental organs have originated on more than 100 occasions among squamate reptiles, and indicate that three separate lineages have converged on substantial placentotrophy through the evolution of specialized histotrophic placentae.
Structure, function, and evolution of the oviducts of squamate reptiles, with special reference to viviparity and placentation.
- D. G. Blackburn
- BiologyThe Journal of experimental zoology
- 1 November 1998
Cladistic analysis indicates that oviductal features associated with deposition of tertiary egg investments in reptiles reflect evolutionary convergence as well as secondary simplification, rather than a unidirectional trend towards increased specialization.
Saltationist and punctuated equilibrium models for the evolution of viviparity and placentation.
- D. G. Blackburn
- BiologyJournal of Theoretical Biology
- 21 May 1995
Empirical data and predictive tests on lizards and snakes indicate that placentae and a degree of placentotrophy have evolved repeatedly as necessary correlates of viviparity, not as subsequent modifications.
Reptilian viviparity: past research, future directions, and appropriate models.
- D. G. Blackburn
- BiologyComparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A…
- 1 December 2000
Histology of the late‐stage placentae in the matrotrophic skink Chalcides chalcides (Lacertilia; Scincidae)
- D. G. Blackburn
- Biology, MedicineJournal of morphology
- 1 May 1993
Morphologically, the mature placentae of C. chalcides are among the most specialized to have been described in reptiles, reflecting the substantial maternal‐fetal nutrient transfer that occurs in this species.
Lactation: historical patterns and potential for manipulation.
- D. G. Blackburn
- Medicine, BiologyJournal of Dairy Science
- 1 October 1993
Mammalian diversity indicates that artificial selection and physiological manipulation of domestic artiodactyls has only modestly exploited the potential of mammary glands as a nutritional source for humans.
Evolutionary Origins of Viviparity in the Reptilia. I. Sauria
- D. G. Blackburn
- Biology
- 1982
Reproductive mode data were extracted piecemeal from the literature and superimposed over currently accepted phylogenies to permit estimation of the minimum frequencies with which viviparity (live-bearing) has evolved in lizards, as well as to facilitate analysis of hypotheses that genetic sex-determination of the male-heterogametic type as weil as a tendency towards eggention preadapt a lineage for v Viviparity.
Evolutionary Origins of Viviparity in the Reptilia. II. Serpentes, Amphisbaenia, and Ichthyosauria
- D. G. Blackburn
- Biology
- 1985
The discontinuous distribution of the origins of viviparity among the reptilian families supports the hypothesis that selective pressures, preadaptations, and constraints vary at high taxonomic levels.
Specializations of the chorioallantoic placenta in the Brazilian scincid lizard, Mabuya heathi: A new placental morphotype for reptiles
- D. G. Blackburn, L. Vitt
- BiologyJournal of morphology
- 1 November 2002
The chorioallantoic placenta of M. heathi and its relatives warrants recognition as a new morphotype for reptiles, defined here as the “Type IV” placente, the first new type of chorio allantois to be defined formally for reptiles in over half a century.
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