European Journal of Anatomy

Official Journal of The Spanish Society of Anatomy
Cover Volume 11 - Number 3
Eur J Anat, 11 (3): 163-167 (2007)

Lizard testis volume measurements: Are they always underpinned by the correct assumptions?

Wotherspoon A.D., Burgin S.

College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, South Penrith Distribution Centre, NSW 1797, Australia; Abel Ecology, 113 Chapman Parade, Faulconbridge, NSW 2776, Australia

ABSTRACT Two basic assumptions are frequently used in the measurement of testis volume: 1) they are highly conserved and thus measures are frequently restricted to a measure of a single testis/individual, and 2) a prolate spheroid provides an adequate measure of volume. Based on the measurement of museum and road kill Pogona barbata (Eastern bearded dragon), we showed these assumptions did not hold and recommend that when considering testis volume, researchers measure both testes and the formula used should be informed by careful consideration of their shape.

Keywords: article, information center, lizard, male, nonhuman, pogona barbata, testis size

European Journal of anatomy
ISSN 2340-311X (Online)