Herp exam 2 caecilians

What are the key features of Caecilians?

They have a segmented body without limbs, a reduced tail, a compact skull, and males possess an eversible cloaca.

What is the range of sizes for Caecilians?

Caecilians can range from 10.2 cm to 152 cm (5 ft).

In what type of habitats do Caecilians thrive?

They prefer moist environments.

What is notable about the eyes of Caecilians?

Their eyes are highly reduced and likely ineffective for detecting stimuli in muddy environments.

What function do tentacles serve in Caecilians?

Tentacles help in sensing large organic scent molecules from the environment, while small scent molecules are detected through olfactory cells in the nasal epithelium.

What are the primary families of Caecilians?

The major families include Rhinatrematidae, Ichthyophiidae, Scolecomorphidae, Caeciliidae, Dermophiidae, Chikilidae, Siphonopidae, Herpelidae, and Typhlonectidae.

How do Caecilians achieve locomotion?

They utilize two sets of muscles with coordinated exterior and spine movements which facilitate reciprocating locomotion, particularly effective in burrowing.

What reproductive strategies are observed in Caecilians?

They exhibit internal fertilization, with roughly 25% having free-living larval stages, 25% engaging in direct development, and 50% being viviparous.

Describe dermatophagy in Caecilians.

Dermatophagy is a reproductive strategy where juvenile Caecilians consume the endometrium of their mother.

What is the role of fetal dentition in Caecilians?

Fetal dentition consists of transitory non-pedicellate teeth that aid the offspring's specialized diet.

What happens when offspring's endometrium consumption surpasses proliferation?

This leads to the occurrence of birth.

How do caecilians open their mouths?

Contract depressor mandibulae, skull goes up, lower jaw stays in place.(think handles of bolt cutters)

What are bony scales and where are they found in Caecilians?

Bony scales are dermal structures that provide protection and are found embedded in the annular rings of Caecilians

How do Caecilians close their mouths?

To close their mouths, the interhyodeus muscle contracts, followed by the contraction of capitis longus and adductor muscles.This action helps seal the jaw and maintain pressure during feeding.