Non-modal Scutes Patterns in the Green Turtle Hatchlings: a Possible Effect of Clutch Mass on the Frequency

In order to gain insight into the field of embryonic developmental biology, the study of scute patterning in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) has been a subject of considerable attention. Numerous factors, including genetic, environmental, and physiological are known to affect the formation of scute patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between estimated clutch mass (ECM), volume of the sand at the top of the eggs (sand volume), and nest depth (ND) with the number of individuals exhibiting non- modal scute patterns (NMSP) at Alata beach in the eastern Mediterranean during the 2009 nesting season. We also conducted an investigation into the prevalence of NMSP frequencies. Using generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) analyses, we evaluated 5 covariates, including ECM, sand volume, ND, distance from sea and vegetation, that could affect NMSP. A total of 1,064 hatchlings from 33 nests were examined, and 801 exhibited the modal scute pattern, while 263 exhibited NMSP. The prevalence of NMSP was found to be 24.8%. The GAMM model showed a significant relationship between ECM and the frequency of NMSP, which was supported by correlation. ECM was found to account for 26% of the observed variation in the model, while ND and sand volume were found to account for less. The limited effect of ND and sand volume on NMSP, when considered alongside the modest proportion of ECM alone in explaining NMSP frequency, suggests that ECM may play a role in NMSP frequency with other environmental factors. This is the initial study to provide preliminary information into the association between ECM and NMSP frequency. In future studies, experimental studies involving ECM and environmental factors will be crucial in terms of revealing the contribution and joint role of ECM on NMSP frequency.