Autotomy

The break occurs between two vertebrae (found in a minority of reptiles).

Discarded parts, such as lizard tails, often continue to writhe for up to 30 minutes to distract the predator. 🦀 Common Examples

Autotomy is a biological defense mechanism where an animal voluntarily sheds or discards a body part to escape a predator or avoid further injury. 🦎 Biological Mechanism

The break occurs across a specific vertebra (common in most lizards).

Autotomy is a highly controlled process that typically occurs at specialized weak points called or breakage planes .

While most famous in reptiles, this trait is found across several animal groups:

Rapid muscle contractions at the fracture site facilitate the break and provide immediate hemostasis (blood flow control).