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- Published: 09 May 2011
- Uploaded: 24 May 2011
- Author: BICHUPACHA
Teiidae is a family of lizards native to the Americas, generally known as whiptails. The group includes the parthenogenic genera Cnemidophorus and Aspidoscelis, and the non-parthenogenic Tupinambis. It has over 230 member species in ten genera. About 75% of the species are in two dominant genera, Aspidoscelis and Cnemidophorus.
Teiids are all terrestrial and diurnal, and are primarily carnivorous or insectivorous, although some will include a small amount of plant matter in their diet. They all lay eggs, with some species laying very large clutches. These lizards reproduce by parthenogenesis, and research has shown that simulated mating behavior increases fertility. For instance, one female lies on top of another, engaging in pseudocopulation. When they lay eggs, the lizard that was on bottom has larger eggs while the one on top has smaller. The lizards switch off this role each mating season. The offspring are genetic clones of the mother, sparking debate as to how these lizards evolve or adapt to the environment.
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