ABSTRACT
To maximize fitness, animals should initiate reproduction based on information from suites of cues that communicate three variables critical to reproductive success: 1) environmental conduciveness for successful reproduction, and survival of offspring and (usually) parents; 2) physiological capability of parents to reproduce; and 3) likelihood of successful mating. Squamates vary widely in reproductive mode (egg-laying, or oviparity, vs. live birth, or viviparity), reproductive frequency (including reproducing only once, i.e., semelparity), and output (Tinkle et al. 1970; Dunham et al. 1988), all of which may alter the phenology of gametogenesis and embryonic development relative to season, physiological state (i.e., body condition), courtship, and mating. These phenomenological differences necessitate divergent reproductive decision-making approaches that may be informed by different suites of cues. In addition, specifi c components of reproduction, including gametogenesis and mating behavior, may not be stimulated by the same environmental or physiological cues.
