The ability of the spatial orientation of the reptiles is not fully researched yet. It is unknown if reptiles use only simple types of navigation, for example cue learning (one key mark), or more difficult types, for example allothetic navigation (combination of marks) or cognitive map (mental representation of the area). The main aim of this thesis was examine the possibility of the spatial orientation in lizard leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) in modificated Morris water maze (MWM). Design of the experiments was based on Parallel Map Theory, a theory which describes using spatial information from more navigation frames. The leopard gecko preferences of orientation frames were tested . That means the ability to combinate the spatial information from the bearing maps (one mark and gradient) and the sketch maps (local marks). This ability is prerequisite for creating the integrated map. The research was also focused on the significance of the simple cue learning strategy and cognitive more difficult allothetic navigation for the orientation of leopard gecko. Leopard geckos can use the combination of information from the navigation frames, which indicate the possibility of integrated map creation. Usage of navigation strategies is individual. Keywords: reptiles, leopard gecko, spatial...

The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)/activin signaling pathway has a number of documented roles during wound healing and is becoming increasingly appreciated as a vital component of multi-tissue regeneration. The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is able to spontaneously, and repeatedly, regenerate its tail following tail loss. We thus examined the expression and localization of several key components of the TGFβ/activin signaling pathway during tail regeneration of the leopard gecko. We observed a marked increase in phosphorylated-Smad2 expression among regenerating tissues corresponding to the location of the regenerate blastema. Interestingly, we observe that during early regeneration there appears to be an absence of TGFβ family member TGFβ1 and instead a strong upregulation of activin-βA. We also observe the expression of EMT transcription factors Snail1 and Snail2 in blastemal tissue. These observations combined with other data provide strong support for the importance of unique and non-overlapping expression patterns of different TGFβ ligands during multi-tissue regeneration

This thesis deals with the postprandial thermophilia by the species \kur{Eublepharis macularius}. Research took place in the laboratory conditions with artificially created temperature gradient. 11 individuals of different age, gender and weight were chosen for my experiment. Surveying were in progress 8 hours before and 16 hours after feeding of animals. The experiment was repeated 3 times as surveying and once as a blind test. Although the temperature preference during the individual surveyings was changing, the postprandial thermophilia was not proved by statistic assessment of the experiments for sp. Eublepharis macularius. The thesis contains a literary review about the studied species, summary of published results dealing with postprandial thermophilia observed at reptiles, methodology of the experiment, results and discussion.

It is generally believed that the presence of male traits is regulated by androgens. This thesis is designed to reveal the influence of testosterone on male traits in the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius. The noninvasive skin application mixture of vegetable oil and testosterone was used to manipulate the hormonal status of females and castrated males. This method has proven to be an effective alternative to the widely used hormonal implants. Manipulation was successfully validated, and there was apparent progressive increase of male sexual behavior in both groups. In females, the onset lasted much longer time, but both groups were able to perform all components of males sexual behaviour. Furthermore, I found that, contrary to widespread view, male sexual behavior persisted several weeks after reduction of testosterone levels in both manipulated groups. These results bring new evidence for temporary organization of male sexual behaviour by testosterone. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

The aim of the project was to test female advantages of promiscuous and/or polyandrous mating. Although, previous studies reported improved reproductive success of females copulating with multiple males in many model species, including Eublepharis macularius, this study failed to demonstrate such a benefit of polyandry. Traits reflecting female reproductive success, i.e. the number of produced eggs, egg mass, hatchability, hatchling mass, growth and survival were not influenced by copulation with multiple partners, but some of them were dependent on female condition. Only initial stages of juvenile growth were influenced by female identity and/or investment.

Scar-free wound healing and regeneration are uncommon phenomena permitting the near complete restoration of damaged tissues, organs and structures. Although rare in mammals, many lizards are able to undergo scarless healing and regeneration following loss of the tail. This study investigated the spontaneous and intrinsic capacity of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) tail to undergo scar-free wound healing and regeneration following two different forms of tail loss: autotomy, a voluntary and evolved mechanism of tail shedding at fracture planes; and surgical amputation, involuntary loss of the tail outside the fracture planes. Furthermore, I investigated the ability of the regenerate tail to regenerate by amputating a regenerate tail (previously lost by autotomy). To investigate these phenomena I imaged wound healing and regenereating tails daily (following autotomy and amputation) to document gross morphological changes. I used histochemistry to document tissue structure and immunohistochemistry to determine the tissue/cellular location of my five proteins of interest (PCNA, MMP-9, WE6, α-sma, TGF-β3). Each of these proteins of interest has been previously documented during wound healing and/or regeneration in other wound healing/regeneration model organisms (e.g. mice, urodeles, lizards, zebrafish). Scar-free wound healing and regeneration occurred following autotomy, amputation of the original tail and amputation of the regenerate tail, indicating that the leopard gecko tail has an instrinsic scar-free wound healing and regenerative capacity that is independent of the mode of tail loss (autotomy or amputation). Furthermore immunohistochemistry revealed a conserved sequence and location of the expression of the five proteins of interest following both forms of tail loss. These results provide the basis for further studies investigating scar-free wound healing and regeneration in a novel amniote model, the leopard gecko. / NSERC