About this Research Topic
Reptiles are a diverse radiation comprising >12,000 extant species that represent half of all extant terrestrial vertebrate diversity. Historically stereotyped as primitive, cold-blooded creatures with hardened scales, reptiles have often been mis-characterised as unfeeling, unsocial and unintelligent. However, a blossoming field of emerging research has reinstated reptiles as models of sensory and neural innovation; revealing sophisticated behaviour and complex social communication mediated through chemical, visual and acoustic communication. Reflecting their great ecological diversity and unique evolutionary histories, reptiles have also evolved a plethora of sensory adaptations including (but by no means limited to) thermoreception via labial heat-pits, tongue-flicking modification for vomerolfaction, and orientation via magneto-compass sensation.
Our goal is to illuminate the remarkable sensory world of reptiles and the thriving field of reptilian sensory biology. Especially in light of technological advances such as genomics and bioimaging (e.g. MRI, diceCT) and the diverse integrative approaches including:
- Neontology
- Palaeontology
- Morphology
- Behaviour/ecology
- DNA
We invite contributions on broad topics related to the sensory world of turtles (Testudinata), crocodylians (Crocodylia), tuatara (Rhynchocephalia), or snakes and lizards (Squamata). Contributions may be focused on any aspect of sensory or neural biology of non-avian reptiles related to their behavior, evolution and ecology, but might also relate to morphology, anatomy, development, physiology, and conservation. Neuropaleontological perspectives on extinct lepidosaurs and non-avian archosauromorphs are also welcome. We also encourage submission from underrepresented regions.
For specific questions, please contact Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell at j.crowe-riddell@latrobe.edu.au
Our goal is to illuminate the remarkable sensory world of reptiles and the thriving field of reptilian sensory biology. Especially in light of technological advances such as genomics and bioimaging (e.g. MRI, diceCT) and the diverse integrative approaches including:
- Neontology
- Palaeontology
- Morphology
- Behaviour/ecology
- DNA
We invite contributions on broad topics related to the sensory world of turtles (Testudinata), crocodylians (Crocodylia), tuatara (Rhynchocephalia), or snakes and lizards (Squamata). Contributions may be focused on any aspect of sensory or neural biology of non-avian reptiles related to their behavior, evolution and ecology, but might also relate to morphology, anatomy, development, physiology, and conservation. Neuropaleontological perspectives on extinct lepidosaurs and non-avian archosauromorphs are also welcome. We also encourage submission from underrepresented regions.
For specific questions, please contact Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell at j.crowe-riddell@latrobe.edu.au
Keywords: Sensory System, Neurobiology, Squamata, Crocodylia, Testudinata, Rhynchocephalia
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
