autotomized
Autotomized refers to the process or state of an organism, typically an arthropod such as a lizard, salamander, or certain insects, losing a body part—most commonly a tail—voluntarily as a defensive mechanism. This phenomenon is a form of **autotomy**, derived from the Greek words *auto* (self) and *tomos* (cutting). The ability to shed a limb or tail under stress or threat is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the organism to escape predators while preserving the core survival functions of the remaining body.
In vertebrates like lizards, autotomy occurs at a specialized fracture plane within the tail vertebrae, where
Insects and other arthropods also exhibit autotomy, though the process varies by species. For example, some
Autotomy is a fascinating example of biological trade-offs, balancing immediate survival with long-term fitness. While the