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Published on: May 13, 2019
Umbilical Cord: A Non-Invasive DNA Source for Sea Turtle Genomics
Gisela Marín-Capuz1, Elena Abella2, Marta Pascual1
1Department de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística & IRBio, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Umbilical cords (UCs) offer a reliable, non-invasive DNA source for loggerhead turtle hatchlings, especially from incubator-hatched eggs. This method aids conservation genomics by minimizing disturbance during sample collection.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Conservation Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- High-throughput sequencing advances conservation genomics, but non-invasive sampling is difficult for marine species like sea turtles.
- Traditional sampling methods pose risks to sea turtle hatchlings, necessitating alternative approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate umbilical cords (UCs) as a non-invasive DNA source for loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings.
- To assess UC genetic origin and prevalence under varied incubation conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 76 samples (including UCs and blood) from loggerhead turtle nests using 2bRAD sequencing.
- Utilized Percentage of Shared Genotypes (PSG) analysis to compare genetic relatedness.
- Examined UC prevalence across artificial and natural incubation methods in Spain and Cape Verde.
Main Results:
- UC genotypes closely matched hatchling blood genotypes (97.7% PSG).
- UC prevalence was highest in artificial incubation (100%) and lowest in established natural nesting sites (4.5%).
- PSG analysis confirmed UCs reflect offspring genetics, distinct from maternal or unrelated individuals.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical cords are a viable non-invasive DNA source for loggerhead turtle hatchling genomics, particularly for incubator-hatched individuals.
- This method reduces disturbance, enhancing population genetics studies and conservation strategies for sea turtles.
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