Definition

The process where an animal sheds a limb or body part, often as a defense mechanism when threatened or injured.

Example

Some lizards can survive after an autotomy, as they can regrow their tails later.

Conversation

Did you know some lizards can perform autotomy when they feel threatened?

Really? That sounds like a wild survival tactic!

Yeah, they actually shed their tails to escape predators.

That's so interesting; nature has some amazing strategies!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autotomy is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "tomia" (from Greek "temnein", meaning to cut). The word describes the act of self-cutting, particularly in reference to certain animals that can shed a part of their body as a defense mechanism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') and 'cutting' ('tomia') to remember that autotomy means to cut oneself, often as a way to escape danger.

Visually Confused Words