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Does incubation temperature fluctuation influence hatchling phenotypes in reptiles? A test using parthenogenetic
Sarah J Andrewartha1, Nicola J Mitchell, Peter B Frappell
1Adaptational and Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Parthenogenetic geckos select specific nest temperatures, but their development is robust to incubation temperature fluctuations. Clonal genotypes significantly influence traits like tail length and oxygen consumption.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Herpetology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Parthenogenetic organisms, despite fixed genotypes, persist through environmental changes.
- Phenotypic plasticity, particularly in incubation temperature selection, may facilitate coexistence with sexual relatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure incubation temperatures selected by parthenogenetic gecko lineages.
- To investigate the impact of incubation temperature variability on developmental traits.
Main Methods:
- Two triploid parthenogenetic gecko lineages (Heteronotia binoei complex) were studied.
- Nest temperatures were measured along a thermal gradient.
- Eggs were incubated under various diel temperature fluctuation regimes.
Main Results:
- Average selected nest temperature was 28.4°C, with no significant differences between races or clones.
- Constant 32°C incubation led to faster development than fluctuating temperatures; extreme fluctuations (±9°C) were unsuccessful.
- Incubation regime did not affect hatchling size, preferred temperature, or mass-specific oxygen consumption.
- Parthenogenetic race significantly affected egg mass, tail length, body size, and oxygen consumption.
Conclusions:
- Developmental traits in this parthenogenetic complex are strongly influenced by clonal genotypes.
- Hatchling traits are buffered against fluctuations in incubation temperature.
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