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Data Collection on Marine Litter Ingestion in Sea Turtles and Thresholds for Good Environmental Status
Published on: May 18, 2019
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Hydric environmental effects on turtle development and sex ratio
Itzel Sifuentes-Romero1, Boris M Tezak1, Sarah L Milton1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA.
Zoology (Jena, Germany)
|December 9, 2017
Summary
Moisture significantly impacts turtle embryonic development and sex ratios. Wetter conditions produced more males, while drier conditions yielded more females in Trachemys scripta elegans.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Moisture is a known factor influencing turtle embryonic development and sex determination.
- Previous studies suggest a link between substrate moisture and offspring sex ratios, with wetter conditions favoring males and drier conditions favoring females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of moisture on embryonic development and sex ratios in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).
- To quantify sex ratios using a novel molecular marker (Sox9) in conjunction with varying temperature and moisture regimes.
Main Methods:
- Incubating Trachemys scripta elegans eggs under controlled temperature and moisture conditions.
- Monitoring embryonic development through stage 22.
- Estimating sex ratios using the male-specific transcriptional marker, Sox9.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in developmental rates, egg mass, and sex ratios were observed across treatments.
- Embryonic development was slower in cooler, wetter substrates, with greater water uptake by eggs.
- The coolest and wettest conditions resulted in 100% males, while the warmest and driest conditions produced 42% males.
- Moisture interacted with temperature, lowering nest temperatures in wetter substrates.
- Embryonic growth sensitivity shifted from temperature (early stages) to moisture (later stages).
Conclusions:
- Moisture levels within nests can alter incubation temperatures, thereby affecting turtle embryonic development, growth, and sex ratios.
- Accurate prediction of turtle embryo development and sex ratios requires incorporating nest moisture conditions.
- This research underscores the importance of moisture as a critical environmental factor in reptile reproductive success.
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