Squamate reptiles are considered to exhibit indeterminate growth. Nevertheless, current literature disputes the available definitions of this growth type, presents new theoretical models, and questions its universality in cold-blooded vertebrates. We have followed up on our previous research employing micro-CT to explore growth plate cartilage (GPC) in the epiphysis of long bones, which is responsible for longitudinal skeletal growth by the endochondral ossification process. We focused on numerous and highly diversified group of the Iguania clade comprising Acrodonta (agamas and chameleons) and Pleurodonta ("iguanas"). We recorded the absence of GPC in most of the examined adult Pleurodonta specimens and interpret it as an irreversible arrest of skeletal growth. This finding clearly rejects the universality of indeterminate growth in lizards. On the other hand, we found apparent GPC preservation in most of the adult specimens belonging to Acrodonta. This suggests a preserved ability to continue body growth throughout most of their life. We discuss the uncovered disparity between Acrodonta and Pleurodonta and emphasize the importance of GPC degradation timing.

Department of Anatomy 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Ruská 2411 87 CZ 10000 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Zoology and Fisheries Faculty of Agrobiology Food and Natural Resources Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Kamýcká 129 CZ 16500 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Zoology Faculty of Science Charles University Viničná 7 CZ 12844 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Zoology National Museum Cirkusová 1740 CZ 19300 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics Czech Technical University Prague Husova 5 CZ 11000 Prague Czech Republic

National Institute of Public Health Šrobárova 48 CZ 10042 Prague Czech Republic

Prague Zoo U Trojského Zámku 3 CZ 17100 Prague Czech Republic

Specialized laboratory of experimental imaging Ruská 2411 87 CZ 10000 Prague Czech Republic

Zoological and Botanical Garden Pilsen Pod Vinicemi 9 CZ 30116 Pilsen Czech Republic

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The first description of dermal armour in snakes

Development of male-larger sexual size dimorphism in a lizard: IGF1 peak long after sexual maturity overlaps with pronounced growth in males

Sex-specific growth arrest in a lizard

Determinate growth is predominant and likely ancestral in squamate reptiles