When threatened by a predator, many lizard species can shed their tails—a phenomenon known as autotomy. The tail detaches along specialized fracture planes within the vertebrae, a defense ...

Tail autotomy, the ability of certain animals to shed their tails or appendages as a defense mechanism against predators, is a fascinating topic in the study of animal behavior and physiology.

Many animals like lizards, octopuses, crabs, and starfish can drop their body parts to escape from predators. 3 According to Elphick, autotomy is so common in some species that his team regularly ...