Growth layers in bones and acrodont teeth of the agamid lizard Laudakia stoliczkana (Blanford, 1875) (Agamidae, Sauria)

Abstract

AbstractGrowth layers in different tubular bones, in dental bone and in tooth dentine of L. stoliczkana were examined to estimate their suitability for the study of its age and growth. All bones studied have growth layers recording annual seasonal patterns of growth. Their pattern is identical in all bones studied. Resting lines, or Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) corresponding to the two first hibernations are subjected to resorption in the massive elongate tubular bones (femur and tibia) whereas in the more slender fibula the rate of resorption is lower. In the phalanx even the first formed layers are not subjected to resorption, but its growth in width is most likely limited. Growth layers are formed in acrodont tooth dentine, but these layers are indistinct and cannot be used for age determination. There are growth layers in the bone of attachment, but due to their multidirectional deposition it is difficult, if not impossible, to count them.