Definition

Relating to the ability of certain animals to shed a body part as a defense mechanism, often to escape predators.

Example

Some lizards can perform autotomic behavior to avoid being caught by predators.

Conversation

Did you know some lizards have the ability to lose their tails as a defense mechanism?

Yeah, I heard that it's called autotomic behavior.

It's fascinating how nature has these survival strategies.

Definitely! I wonder what other creatures have autotomic traits.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotomic is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "tomos" (from Greek, meaning to cut). The word refers to something that can cut or separate itself, often used in biological contexts to describe self-division or self-cutting processes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') and 'cutting' ('tomos') to remember that autotomic refers to something that can cut or separate itself.

Visually Confused Words