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A review of the evolution of viviparity in lizards: structure, function and physiology of the placenta

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Abstract

The aim of this review is to collate data relevant to understanding the evolution of viviparity in general, and complex placentae in particular. The wide range of reproductive modes exhibited by lizards provides a solid model system for investigating the evolution of viviparity. Within the lizards are oviparous species, viviparous species that have a very simple placenta and little nutrient uptake from the mother during pregnancy (lecithotrophic viviparity), through a range of species that have intermediate placental complexities and placental nutrient provision, to species that lay microlecithal eggs and most nutrients are provided across the placenta during development (obligate placentotrophy). In its commonest form, lecithotrophic viviparity, some uptake of water, inorganic ions and oxygen occurs from the mother to the embryo during pregnancy. In contrast, the evolution of complex placentae is rare, but has evolved at least five times. Where there is still predominantly a reliance on egg yolk, the omphaloplacenta seems to be paramount in the provision of nutrition to the embryo via histotrophy, whereas the chorioallantoic placenta is more likely involved in gas exchange. Reliance on provision of substantial organic nutrient is correlated with the regional specialisation of the chorioallantoic placenta to form a placentome for nutrient uptake, particularly lipids, and the further development of the gas exchange capabilities of the other parts of the chorioallantois.

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Acknowledgements

Many people have contributed to the work and ideas presented in this review through a combination of their publications and direct collaboration and discussion, in particular J. Stewart, C. Murphy, S. Adams, M. Hosie, D. Blackburn, M. Ramírez-Pinilla, J. Herbert and J. Girling. M. Ramírez-Pinilla kindly provided unpublished data on Mabuya mabouya. K. Robert drew the figures. Much of the data presented were derived from work supported by Australian Research Council Large and Discovery Grants to MBT and from the Scottish Council to BKS.

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  1. Integrative Physiology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building (A08), 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Michael B. Thompson

  2. Animal Health Group, SAC, EH9 3JG, Edinburgh, UK

    Brian K. Speake

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  1. Michael B. Thompson
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Correspondence to Michael B. Thompson.

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Communicated by I.D. Hume

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Thompson, M.B., Speake, B.K. A review of the evolution of viviparity in lizards: structure, function and physiology of the placenta. J Comp Physiol B 176, 179–189 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00360-005-0048-5

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