Comparative endocrinology

Abstract

Comparative endocrinology encompasses research on the roles of hormones in regulating biological functions in a wide range of diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species. Thus, it becomes an impossibility to adequately describe and discuss within the confines of a single chapter the many endocrine control systems that exist in the animal kingdom. Consequently, an attempt is made in this chapter to present some unique and novel aspects of endocrine function that contribute to behavior, growth and reproduction in a few select species. Although much similarity in endocrine organization and function exists among species, there are differences, which will become apparent in this chapter. © 2005 Humana Press Inc.