1. capable of self-amputation or shedding a body part as a defense mechanism
Usage: biological term

Examples

• Many lizards are autotomous, able to shed their tails when threatened by predators.
• The starfish’s autotomous ability allows it to regenerate lost arms.
• Certain crabs have autotomous claws that can be dropped to escape danger.
• Scientists study autotomous behavior in various invertebrate species.
• The gecko’s autotomous tail serves as both a distraction and escape mechanism.