Correlation between shell colour and ultrastructure in pheasant eggs
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Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients
Published on: August 22, 2018
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Pretoria University, Republic of South Africa. Richards@medic.up.ac.za
Abstract:
1. The histochemistry and ultrastructure of pheasant eggs were compared on the basis of blue or brown shell colour. 2. Differences in lectin histochemistry of the outer shell membrane calcification surface indicate a biochemical disruption of the calcification sites in blue eggs. 3. Significant differences were observed in all aspects of eggshell ultrastructure with blue eggs having thinner shells with structural defects. 4. Poor hatchability of blue eggs may reflect high rates of weight loss associated with a defective eggshell.
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