Elsevier S & T

Reproductive Biology of Bats

Crichton, Elizabeth G.; Krutzsch, Philip H.

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Table of contents
  • Contentsv
  • Prefaceix
  • Chapter 1. Endocrinology of Reproduction in Bats: Central Control1
  • 1.1 Introduction1
  • 1.2 The hypothalamic-pituitary complex2
  • 1.3 GnRH and portal mechanisms4
  • 1.4 GnRH perikarya and seasonal dynamics of the GnRH system9
  • 1.5 The nervus terminalis12
  • 1.6 Pituitary gonadotropins12
  • 1.7 Prolactin17
  • 1.8 Pineal melatonin and the suprachiasmatic nucleus19
  • 1.9 Summary and future perspectives21
  • Acknowledgments22
  • References22
  • Chapter 2. Endocrine Regulation of Reproduction in Bats: the Role of Circulating Gonadal Hormones27
  • 2.1 Introduction27
  • 2.2 Peripheral hormone levels and their evaluation28
  • 2.3 Source and synthesis of hormones in the Chiroptera29
  • 2.4 Peripheral hormone concentrations, binding proteins and hormone action in male bats34
  • 2.5 Peripheral hormone concentrations, binding proteins and hormone action in female bats45
  • 2.6 Unilateral endometrial growth (UEG) in Pteropus spp.; implications for systemic hormone levels56
  • 2.7 General discussion57
  • References58
  • Chapter 3. Peripheral Endocrines in Bat Reproduction65
  • 3.1 Introduction65
  • 3.2 Peripheral endocrines in bats66
  • 3.3 Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)77
  • 3.4 Summary85
  • References86
  • Chapter 4. Anatomy, Physiology and Cyclicity of the Male Reproductive Tract91
  • 4.1 Introduction92
  • 4.2 Puberty93
  • 4.3 Reproductive organ anatomy93
  • 4.4 Penis101
  • 4.5 Spermatozoa105
  • 4.6 Reproductive patterns108
  • 4.7 Conclusions and future directions128
  • Acknowledgments129
  • References137
  • Chapter 5. Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive Tract157
  • 5.1 Introduction157
  • 5.2 Anatomy of the reproductive tract158
  • 5.3 Functional asymmetries of the female tract173
  • 5.4 Nonpregnant reproductive cycles186
  • 5.5 Adaptive significance of reproductive asymmetries and menstruation199
  • Acknowledgments208
  • References208
  • Chapter 6. Pregnancy221
  • 6.1 Introduction221
  • 6.2 Preimplantation development222
  • 6.3 Implantation of the blastocyst228
  • 6.4 Development of placental organs and foetal membranes242
  • 6.5 Highly invasive trophoblast269
  • 6.6 Litter size and gestation period273
  • 6.7 The endocrinology of pregnancy275
  • 6.8 Postpartum oestrus278
  • Acknowledgments280
  • References281
  • Chapter 7. Sperm Storage and Fertilization295
  • 7.1 Introduction: The what, when, where and why of sperm storage295
  • 7.2 The history of sperm storage in Chiroptera297
  • 7.3 The occurrence of sperm storage in Chiroptera298
  • 7.4 The how of sperm storage300
  • 7.5 Preparation of sperm for fertilization311
  • 7.6 Conclusions and future directions311
  • Acknowledgments312
  • References312
  • Chapter 8. Bat Mating Systems321
  • 8.1 Introduction321
  • 8.2 Mating systems in bats and other mammals322
  • 8.3 Single male/multi-female polygynous groups330
  • 8.4 Multi-male/multi-female groups341
  • 8.5 Single male/single female groups351
  • 8.6 Ecological determinants of mating systems in bats353
  • References357
  • Chapter 9. Life-history and Reproductive Strategies of Bats363
  • 9.1 Introduction364
  • 9.2 Costs of reproduction367
  • 9.3 Seasonality and reproduction367
  • 9.4 Reproductive patterns of bats371
  • 9.5 Reproductive delays379
  • 9.6 Adaptive significance of reproductive delays386
  • 9.7 What limits reproduction?392
  • 9.8 Limits to reproductive output398
  • Acknowledgments401
  • References401
  • Chapter 10. Parental Care and Postnatal Growth in the Chiroptera415
  • 10.1 Introduction415
  • 10.2 Parental care416
  • 10.3 Size and developmental state at birth441
  • 10.4 Postnatal growth442
  • 10.5 Conclusions, predictions and future directions453
  • Acknowledgments454
  • References454
  • Chapter 11. Environmental Regulation of Reproduction469
  • 11.1 Introduction469
  • 11.2 Ultimate factors470
  • 11.3 Mechanisms of environmental regulations of reproduction in bats473
  • 11.4 Insights from field studies491
  • 11.5 What should we do next?493
  • 11.6 Conclusion494
  • Acknowledgments494
  • References495
  • Species Index501
  • Subject Index507
Book details
  • Vendor Elsevier S & T
  • SKU 9780121956707
  • ISBN-13 9780080540535
  • Author Crichton, Elizabeth G.; Krutzsch, Philip H.
  • Category Social Science
  • Subject Physical

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The Reproductive Biology of Bats presents the first comprehensive, in-depth review of the current knowledge and supporting literature concerning the behavior, anatomy, physiology and reproductive strategies of bats. These mammals, which occur world-wide and comprise a vast assemblage of species, have evolved unique and successful reproductive strategies through varied anatomical and physiological specialization. These are accompanied by individual and/or group behavioral interactions, usually in response to environmental mechanisms essential to their reproductive success.

Key Features
* Is the first book devoted to the reproductive biology of bats
* Contains in-depth reviews of the literature concerned with bat reproduction
* Contributors are widely recognized specialists
* Provides a powerful database for future research