autotomous
/ɔˈtɑtəməs/
adjective
- Having the ability to intentionally break off a body part as a defense mechanism.
- The autotomous limbs of certain crabs can be regrown after being shed.
- Researchers discovered that the worm is autotomous, allowing it to escape predators by sacrificing a segment of its body.
- Many species of gecko are autotomous, dropping their tails when threatened.