autotomy

Noun

The behavior whereby an animal severs one or more of its own appendages, usually as a self-defense mechanism to elude a predator's grasp or to distract the predator and thereby allow escape.

ریشه

Derived from the Greek words 'auto' meaning 'self' and 'tome' meaning 'cutting'.

مثال

• Autotomy is a survival strategy used by several lizard species.
• The study of autotomy in starfish provides insights into their ability to regenerate.
• Autotomy is not a common phenomenon in mammals.

ترکیب‌های رایج

Tail autotomy Limb autotomy Autotomy mechanism Capability of autotomy