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The implications of adult morphology for clutch size in the flatback turtle (Natator depressa)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2001

Graeme C. Hays
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK, E-mail: g.hays@swan.ac.uk

Abstract

When the mean adult length and mean clutch volume of marine turtles are examined, a clear pattern for larger species to lay larger clutches is evident, in accord with predictions that female size constrains the available space for carrying eggs. However, when compared with this general trend, the volume of clutches laid by flatback turtles (Natator depressa) are smaller than expected. The implication is that the unusually flat morphology of flatback turtles, provides an additional constraint on their egg carrying capacity.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
© 2001 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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