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Oxygen-dependent heat tolerance and developmental plasticity in turtle embryos.
Liang Liang1, Bao-Jun Sun, Liang Ma
1Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Oxygen and temperature interact to influence turtle embryonic development and hatchling fitness. High temperatures amplify oxygen
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Environmental factors like oxygen and temperature are often studied independently.
- The interaction between oxygen and temperature is crucial for understanding embryonic development and offspring fitness in oviparous amniotes.
- Limited research exists on the combined effects of oxygen and temperature on reptile embryos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactive effects of oxygen concentration and temperature on embryonic development and hatchling traits in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).
- To determine how oxygen-temperature interactions affect hatching success, developmental rate, and post-hatching fitness indicators.
Main Methods:
- A two-factor experimental design was employed, manipulating oxygen concentrations (12%, 22%, 30%) and temperatures (26.5 °C, 34 °C).
- Embryonic development, hatching success, and hatchling traits (body size, locomotor performance, survival) were monitored.
- The study focused on the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis.
Main Results:
- At high temperatures, hyperoxia improved hatching success, while hypoxia reduced it. This effect was not seen at benign temperatures.
- Hypoxia significantly slowed embryonic development and reduced hatchling body size, locomotor performance, and survival at high temperatures.
- The negative impacts of hypoxia on development and fitness were less pronounced at benign temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen and temperature interact significantly, impacting embryonic heat tolerance, developmental rates, and hatchling fitness-related traits.
- These interactions impose substantial ecological constraints on embryonic development in oviparous species.
- Understanding combined environmental factor effects is vital for predicting species' responses to environmental change.
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