Growth patterns of hatchling snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were measured for 14 weeks. Hatchlings from eggs incubated at 27 C grew more rapidly than those incubated at 22 C or at 31 C, particularly during the second half of the study period. Turtles from eggs incubated at 27 C, -1100 kPa grew significantly more slowly than those from eggs incubated at 27 C, -150 kPa; whereas water availability during embryogeny had no effect on the growth of hatchlings from eggs incubated at 22 C. Hatchling growth from colony A (sequentially grouped, as turtles from various treatments hatched over time) and colony B (simultaneously grouped after turtles from all treatments had hatched) was not significantly different; however, hatchlings reared in isolation (but at the same density as the colonies) grew more rapidly than those in either colony. Hatchlings from some clutches grew more rapidly than those from other clutches. This study indicates that the rate of growth of young turtles is dependent on numerous factors including the incubation environment, and maternal and/or paternal effects, and social interactions. In addition, our results demonstrate that the incubation environment may have long-term consequences on organisms not immediately evident at the time of exposure.
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文章 : 英语