autotomies
Autotomies refer to the voluntary shedding or loss of a body part by an animal, typically as a predator-escape strategy. The phenomenon is widespread across several animal groups and involves specialized anatomical mechanisms that allow a part to break away with minimal harm to the rest of the body. In many cases, the lost part can be regenerated, at least partially, over time.
Caudal autotomy, the best-known form, occurs in many lizards and other reptiles. The tail detaches at predefined
Autotomy also occurs in other phyla. In echinoderms such as brittle stars and starfish, arms can be
Regeneration following autotomy varies among groups. Lizards typically regenerate a new tail that forms a cartilaginous
Autotomy has important ecological and evolutionary implications as a defense mechanism. Its costs include energy expenditure