Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
autotomy
Noun
/ɔːˈtɒt.ə.mi/
Definition
Autotomy refers to the ability of certain animals to deliberately shed a part of their body, typically as a defense mechanism against predators.
Examples
- Some lizards are known to exhibit autotomy when they lose their tail to escape a predator.
- Autotomy can be advantageous as it distracts the attacker, allowing the animal a chance to flee.
Meaning
The term combines ‘auto’ meaning self and ‘tomy’ meaning cutting, indicating self-amputation.
Synonyms
- Self-amputation
- Self-detachment
