Effectiveness of phalanx skeletochronology to estimate age in living reptiles

摘要: skeletochronology frequently involve the death of animal to obtain bone. In present study, we test reliability phalanx skeletochronology, comparing readings from most commonly used bones in reptile (femur and humerus) with age estimated phalanges. Our results show be a reliable method for estimating lizards without killing them. Cross-section all studied presented high correlation repeatability, regardless chosen. These findings imply that, apply phalanges must instead other that mean animal, studies is no longer justified. This alternative especially relevant endangered species, considering obtaining representative sample usually requires considerable number individuals.