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Sönmez B, Sağol Ö. Congenital malformation in green turtle embryos and hatchlings. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38953157 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Successful embryonic development depends on the interaction between genetic factors and environmental variables. Congenital malformations in sea turtles can result from extreme conditions during the incubation period, reducing hatching success and potentially impeding population recovery. We aimed to characterize the congenital malformations found in green turtle nests, determine their prevalence and severity, and understand their drivers during the 2022 nesting season on Samandağ beach on northern Mediterranean nesting beaches. A total of 2986 examples of congenital malformations were observed in 362 out of 907 green turtle nests. The prevalence of congenital malformations per nest was 39%, and the severity (the number of malformed individuals per nest) was 3.8%. Nests with congenital malformations exhibited a lower mean distance from the sea, a shorter incubation duration (a proxy for incubation temperature), lower hatching success, a larger clutch size, and higher mortality at late embryonic and hatchling stages than nests without congenital malformations. There was no significant difference in total mortality between these two nest types. A total of 52 different congenital malformations were recorded, 2 of which were observed for the first time in sea turtles and 28 for the first time in green turtles. The results suggest that congenital malformations may be related to nest temperature and clutch size, while overall mortality may be independent of malformations. Pigmentation disorders and craniofacial malformations typically coexist in cases of multiple malformations. Long-term monitoring of congenital malformations is crucial, as it can provide clues about the health status of the nesting beach and nesting colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bektaş Sönmez
- Suşehri Timur Karabal Vocational School, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Suşehri, Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Sağol
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Milas Veterinary Faculty, Undergraduate Student, Muğla, Türkiye
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2
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Cordero GA, Birk K, Ruane S, Dinkelacker SA, Janzen FJ. Effects of the egg incubation environment on turtle carapace development. Evol Dev 2023; 25:153-169. [PMID: 36373204 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Developing organisms are often exposed to fluctuating environments that destabilize tissue-scale processes and induce abnormal phenotypes. This might be common in species that lay eggs in the external environment and with little parental care, such as many reptiles. In turtles, morphological development has provided striking examples of abnormal phenotypic patterns, though the influence of the environment remains unclear. To this end, we compared fluctuating asymmetry, as a proxy for developmental instability, in turtle hatchlings incubated in controlled laboratory and unstable natural conditions. Wild and laboratory hatchlings featured similar proportions of supernumerary scales (scutes) on the dorsal shell (carapace). Such abnormal scutes likely elevated shape asymmetry, which was highest in natural nests. Moreover, we tested the hypothesis that hot and dry environments cause abnormal scute formation by subjecting eggs to a range of hydric and thermal laboratory incubation regimes. Shape asymmetry was similar in hatchlings incubated at five constant temperatures (26-30°C). A hot (30°C) and severely Dry substrate yielded smaller hatchlings but scutes were not overtly affected. Our study suggests that changing nest environments contribute to fluctuating asymmetry in egg-laying reptiles, while clarifying the conditions at which turtle shell development remains buffered from the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo A Cordero
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.,Department of Animal Biology, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Katie Birk
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Sarah Ruane
- Department of Biology, Framingham State University, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen A Dinkelacker
- Life Sciences Section, Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Fredric J Janzen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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3
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Cummings KL, Lovich JE, Puffer SR, Greely S, Otahal CD, Gannon J. Injuries and Abnormalities of the Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) in the Mojave River of California. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2022. [DOI: 10.3398/064.082.0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy L. Cummings
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 North Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
| | - Jeffrey E. Lovich
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 North Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
| | - Shellie R. Puffer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 North Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
| | - Sarah Greely
- The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
| | - Christopher D. Otahal
- Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
| | - James Gannon
- Bureau of Land Management, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
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4
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Comparative Assessment of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spider Morph and Wild Type Ball Pythons (Python regius) for Evaluation of the Morphological Correlate of Wobble Syndrome. J Comp Pathol 2022; 196:26-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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5
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Boneta Jiménez I, Pérez-García A, Liesau von Lettow-Vorbeck C. The oldest evidence of Testudo graeca (Testudinidae) in the Iberian Peninsula. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:1537-1547. [PMID: 35841233 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Testudo graeca (i.e., Greek Tortoise or Spur-thighed Tortoise) origin in Western Europe is a subject of debate within the scientific community. The species is a part of the current Spanish biodiversity, with three isolated populations, located in the south-eastern (Almeria and Murcia) and south-western (Doñana National Park, Andalusia) areas of the Iberian Peninsula, and in the Mallorca Island (Balearic Islands). Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, putative references to the presence of Testudo graeca in the Iberian paleontological and archaeozoological records were relatively common. However, many of them were refuted in subsequent papers and, those that were not, are currently considered as doubtful. The aim of this work is to present and describe the oldest indisputable remains of Testudo graeca in the Iberian Peninsula. They correspond to several individuals, hitherto unpublished, recovered as grave goods in two tombs at the Plaza Marqués de Busianos 5 site (Valencia, eastern Spain), dated between the first and second centuries AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iratxe Boneta Jiménez
- Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adán Pérez-García
- Grupo de Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Liesau von Lettow-Vorbeck
- Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Shell Anomalies in the European Aquatic Stem Turtle Pleurosternon bullockii (Paracryptodira, Pleurosternidae). DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The uppermost Jurassic to lowermost Cretaceous stem turtle Pleurosternon bullockii is the pleurosternid (Testudinata, Paracryptodira) known by the largest number of specimens worldwide, composing the largest European collection of Lower Cretaceous complete and partial shells for a turtle taxon. The availability of numerous specimens as well as their generally good preservation allowed for recent detailed characterization of the shell of this species, including states that are variable at the intraspecific level (individual variability, sexual dimorphism, and ontogenetic development). However, extreme cases of morphological variation corresponding to anomalies have not been addressed in detail, neither for P. bullockii nor for any other member of Paracryptodira. In this context, the study of several shell anomalies in P. bullockii is carried out here. Fourteen specimens showing anomalies are recognized and examined here to determine the frequency and distribution of these shell anatomical deviations. All these anomalies are described and figured. The morphogenetic cause of each of them is discussed. As a consequence, a relatively broad spectrum of anomalies is reported for P. bullockii. None of the anomalies seem to present negative consequences for vital activities of the specimens since none compromised the main functions of the shell.
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Sagar V, Kaelin CB, Natesh M, Reddy PA, Mohapatra RK, Chhattani H, Thatte P, Vaidyanathan S, Biswas S, Bhatt S, Paul S, Jhala YV, Verma MM, Pandav B, Mondol S, Barsh GS, Swain D, Ramakrishnan U. High frequency of an otherwise rare phenotype in a small and isolated tiger population. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2025273118. [PMID: 34518374 PMCID: PMC8488692 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025273118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most endangered species exist today in small populations, many of which are isolated. Evolution in such populations is largely governed by genetic drift. Empirical evidence for drift affecting striking phenotypes based on substantial genetic data are rare. Approximately 37% of tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (in eastern India) are pseudomelanistic, characterized by wide, merged stripes. Camera trap data across the tiger range revealed the presence of pseudomelanistic tigers only in Similipal. We investigated the genetic basis for pseudomelanism and examined the role of drift in driving this phenotype's frequency. Whole-genome data and pedigree-based association analyses from captive tigers revealed that pseudomelanism cosegregates with a conserved and functionally important coding alteration in Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep), a gene responsible for similar traits in other felid species. Noninvasive sampling of tigers revealed a high frequency of the Taqpep p.H454Y mutation in Similipal (12 individuals, allele frequency = 0.58) and absence from all other tiger populations (395 individuals). Population genetic analyses confirmed few (minimal number) tigers in Similipal, and its genetic isolation, with poor geneflow. Pairwise FST (0.33) at the mutation site was high but not an outlier. Similipal tigers had low diversity at 81 single nucleotide polymorphisms (mean heterozygosity = 0.28, SD = 0.27). Simulations were consistent with founding events and drift as possible drivers for the observed stark difference of allele frequency. Our results highlight the role of stochastic processes in the evolution of rare phenotypes. We highlight an unusual evolutionary trajectory in a small and isolated population of an endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Sagar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India;
| | - Christopher B Kaelin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94309
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
| | - Meghana Natesh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
- Biology Department, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati 411008, India
| | - P Anuradha Reddy
- Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species, Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500048, India
| | | | - Himanshu Chhattani
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Prachi Thatte
- World Wide Fund for Nature - India, New Delhi 110003 India
| | - Srinivas Vaidyanathan
- Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning, Auroville Post, Tamil Nadu 605101 India
| | | | | | - Shashi Paul
- Odisha Forest Department, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Yadavendradev V Jhala
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248001, India
- National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India Tiger Cell, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 248001, India
| | | | | | | | - Gregory S Barsh
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94309
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
| | - Debabrata Swain
- Former Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi 110003, India
- Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Indian Forest Service, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India;
- DBT - Wellcome Trust India Alliance, Hyderabad 500034, India
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8
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Brown LJ, Davy CM. Evaluation of spot patterns and carapace abnormalities of an Endangered freshwater turtle, Clemmys guttata, as a potential tool for population assignment. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the world’s contemporary species of turtle are extinct or threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, increases in anthropogenic sources of mortality, and poaching (illegal collection). The slow life-history strategy of most turtle species magnifies the effects of poaching because the loss of even a few mature individuals can impact population growth. Returning poached turtles to their population of origin, where possible, can mitigate these effects, but identifying the origin of these individuals can be challenging. We hypothesized that spot patterns might allow assignment of Endangered spotted turtles Clemmys guttata to their population of origin. We characterized and compared spot patterns from carapace photographs of 126 individuals from 10 sites. To explore other types of information these photographs might provide, we also documented carapacial scute abnormalities and quantified their association with genetic diversity and latitude. Spot pattern similarity was not higher within populations than among populations and did not accurately differentiate populations. Carapacial scute abnormalities occurred in 82% of turtles and were not correlated with estimates of neutral genetic diversity. Abnormalities were positively correlated with latitude, implicating thermal stress during the early stages of development in the generation of some scute deformities. However, this relationship became non-significant when line (scute seam) abnormalities were excluded from the data, suggesting a different primary cause for the more severe scute deformities. Further research should continue to investigate the drivers of these deformities, as monitoring shifts in the frequency of scute deformities may provide relevant information for conservation and recovery of endangered turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- LJ Brown
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - CM Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
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9
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Blanding's Turtle Demography and Population Viability. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-20-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In anticipation of U.S. federal status classification (warranted, warranted but precluded, not warranted), scheduled for 2023, we provide population viability analysis of the Blanding's turtle Emydoidea blandingii, a long-lived, late-maturing, semi-aquatic species of conservation concern throughout its range. We present demographic data from long-term study of a population in northeastern Illinois and use these data as the basis for viability and sensitivity analyses focused on parameter uncertainty and geographic parameter variation. We use population viability analysis to identify population sizes necessary to provide population resiliency to stochastic disturbance events and catastrophes, and demonstrate how alternative definitions of ‘foreseeable future' might affect status decisions. Demographic parameters within our focal population resulted in optimistic population projections (probability of extinction = 0% over 100 y) but results were less optimistic when catastrophes or uncertainty in parameter estimates were incorporated (probability of extinction = 3% and 16%, respectively). Uncertainty in estimates of age-specific mortality had the biggest impact on population viability analysis outcomes but uncertainty in other parameters (age of first reproduction, environmental variation in age-specific mortality, percent of females reproducing, clutch size) also contributed. Blanding's turtle demography varies geographically and incorporating this variation resulted in both mortality- and fecundity-related parameters affecting population viability analysis outcomes. Possibly, compensatory variation among demographic parameters allows for persistence across a wide range of parameter values. We found that extinction risk decreased and retention of genetic diversity increased rapidly with increasing initial population size. In the absence of catastrophes, demographic conservation goals could be met with a smaller initial population size than could genetic conservation goals; ≥20–50 adults were necessary for extinction risk <5%, whereas ≥50–110 adults were necessary to retain >95% of existing genetic diversity over 100 y. These thresholds shifted upward when catastrophes were included; ≥50–200 adults were necessary for extinction risk <5% and ≥110 to >200 adults were necessary to retain >95% of existing genetic diversity over 100 y. Impediments to Blanding's turtle conservation include an incomplete understanding of geographic covariation among demographic parameters, the large amount of effort necessary to estimate and monitor abundance, and uncertainty regarding the impacts of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
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Smith GR, Rettig JE, Iverson JB. Frequency of and Temporal Trends in Shell Anomalies in a Turtle Community in a Northern Indiana Lake. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1408.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey R. Smith
- Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023 USA [, ]
| | - Jessica E. Rettig
- Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023 USA [, ]
| | - John B. Iverson
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA []
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11
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Variation in shell morphology of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, in fragmented central European populations. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a widely distributed freshwater species inhabiting much of Europe, but it is often in population decrease or is locally extinct. In this study, we sampled five central European populations, of which four were autochthonous and one was introduced outside the native range. Moreover, two of the native populations were relatively isolated and at the periphery of the species, range. Using the frequency of shell anomalies, a geometric morphometric framework and an analysis of fluctuating asymmetry, we aimed to determine the degree of morphological differentiation among different populations. Significantly, a smaller number of individuals with a malformed shell or scutes occurred in the native core range population, which potentially has a high level of gene flow (Hungary). Although neither canonical variate analysis nor the morphological disparity analysis showed distinct differences between populations, we found significantly higher shell asymmetry in the two marginal populations (Austria and Slovakia) compared with the core range populations. Our results might thus support the central–marginal hypothesis and indicate potential genetically based conservation problems owing to demographic bottlenecks and/or isolation in marginal populations.
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12
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Bentley BP, McGlashan JK, Bresette MJ, Wyneken J. No evidence of selection against anomalous scute arrangements between juvenile and adult sea turtles in Florida. J Morphol 2020; 282:173-184. [PMID: 33111991 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Variations in the number and arrangement of scutes often are used for species identification in hard-shelled sea turtles. Despite the conserved nature of scute arrangements, anomalous arrangements have been noted in the literature for over a century, with anomalies linked to sub-optimal environmental conditions in the nest during development. Long-held assumptions suggest that anomalous scute arrangements are indicative of underlying physiological or morphological anomalies, with presumed long-term survival costs to the individual. Here, we examined a 25-year photo database of two species of sea turtle (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) captured incidentally and non-selectively on the eastern coast of Florida. Our results suggest that C. mydas is substantially more variable with respect to the arrangement of carapacial scutes, while C. caretta had a relatively higher proportion of individuals with anomalous plastron scute arrangements. We also show evidence that (a) the forms and patterns of anomalous scutes are stable throughout growth; (b) there is limited evidence for selection against non-modal arrangements in the size classes that were examined; and (c) that their frequency has remained stable in juvenile cohorts from 1994 until present. These findings indicate that there may not be a survival cost associated with anomalous scute arrangements once the turtles reach juvenile size classes, and that variation in scute arrangements within populations is relatively common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair P Bentley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica K McGlashan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Jeanette Wyneken
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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13
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Langer SV, Kapron CM, Davy CM. Abnormal persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane is associated with severe developmental abnormalities in freshwater turtles. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Development in oviparous reptiles requires the correct formation and function of extra-embryonic membranes in the egg. In 2017, we incubated 2583 eggs from five species of freshwater turtle during a long-term ecological study and opened eggs that failed to hatch. We described a previously unreported developmental anomaly: the retention of an extra-embryonic membrane around 7 turtles (1 Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur, 1827)), 1 Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758)), and 5 Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817))) that were alive but unhatched >14 days after their clutch mates had emerged. We investigated the association between retention of this membrane and the exhibition of other developmental deformities of varying severity, and we tested whether this novel abnormality was associated with reduced fertility or hatching success in affected clutches. Consultation of ∼150 years of literature suggests that we observed persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM; also called the chorioallantois). Our data suggest that clutches where at least one turtle exhibits a persistent CAM may also exhibit slightly reduced fertility or hatch success in the rest of the clutch compared with conspecific clutches that do not contain this anomaly. Future research should investigate the factors predicting CAM retention and other developmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V. Langer
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Carolyn M. Kapron
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
- Biology Department, Trent University, 2089 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Christina M. Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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14
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Maffucci F, Pace A, Affuso A, Ciampa M, Treglia G, Pignalosa A, Hochscheid S. Carapace scute pattern anomalies in the loggerhead turtle: are they indicative of hatchling’s survival probability? J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Maffucci
- IMOM Unit RIMAR Department Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples Italy
| | - A. Pace
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
| | - A. Affuso
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
| | - M. Ciampa
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
| | - G. Treglia
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
| | - A. Pignalosa
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
| | - S. Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Center Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Portici Italy
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15
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Yuan ML, White KN, Rothermel BB, Zamudio KR, Tuberville TD. Close-kin mating, but not inbred parents, reduces hatching rates and offspring quality in a threatened tortoise. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:1152-1162. [PMID: 31397924 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inbreeding depression, the reduction in fitness due to mating of related individuals, is of particular conservation concern in species with small, isolated populations. Although inbreeding depression is widespread in natural populations, long-lived species may be buffered from its effects during population declines due to long generation times and thus are less likely to have evolved mechanisms of inbreeding avoidance than species with shorter generation times. However, empirical evidence of the consequences of inbreeding in threatened, long-lived species is limited. In this study, we leverage a well-studied population of gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus, to examine the role of inbreeding depression and the potential for behavioural inbreeding avoidance in a natural population of a long-lived species. We tested the hypothesis that increased parental inbreeding leads to reduced hatching rates and offspring quality. Additionally, we tested for evidence of inbreeding avoidance. We found that high parental relatedness results in offspring with lower quality and that high parental relatedness is correlated with reduced hatching success. However, we found that hatching success and offspring quality increase with maternal inbreeding, likely due to highly inbred females mating with more distantly related males. We did not find evidence for inbreeding avoidance in males and outbred females, suggesting sex-specific evolutionary trade-offs may have driven the evolution of mating behaviour. Our results demonstrate inbreeding depression in a long-lived species and that the evolution of inbreeding avoidance is shaped by multiple selective forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Yuan
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL, USA
| | - K Nicole White
- Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL, USA.,Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA.,Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Kelly R Zamudio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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16
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Cherepanov G, Malashichev Y, Danilov I. Supernumerary scutes verify a segment-dependent model of the horny shell development in turtles. J Anat 2019; 235:836-846. [PMID: 31198986 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Turtle horny shell has a scute pattern, which is conservative through evolution and across species. The discovery of epidermal placodes as the scute primordia and their strict topographical association to the somites of the turtle embryo suggested a new interpretation of the developmental mechanism of the scute pattern. Here, we tested the hypothesis that horny scutes develop from a mosaic of placodes corresponding exactly to the paths of myoseptae, with vertebral and pleural scutes developing staggered in adjacent segments, and marginal scutes developing in every segment. This scheme predicts little variation in marginals and suggests intercalary supernumerary scutes as potential variations for the vertebral and pleural rows. We examined spatial and numerical variations of the horny shell in 655 newly hatched olive ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, which is known to have a highly variable horny shell. In total, 120 patterns of carapacial scutes and 10 patterns of scutes on plastron, differing in the number and position of scutes were found. The number of vertebral scutes varied from 4 to 10. Variations with five, six and seven vertebrals occurred with the greatest and nearly equally frequency (31.5% on average). Pleural scutes were from 5 to 10 at one or both sides, and the typical symmetric pattern for sea turtles with five pairs of pleurals was only seen in ca. 12% of specimens. In contrast, the majority of the specimens (92.7%) had just 13 pairs of marginals, showing a stable normal pattern. Similarly, on plastron the horny scutes were conservative, too; about 85% of specimens standardly had six pairs of plastral scutes and all specimens had four pairs of inframarginals. Despite a high level of variation of vertebral and pleural scutes in olive ridley turtle, all patterns fall into the theoretical spectrum of possible variants predicted by the segment-dependent model of development of the turtle horny shell. Therefore, the results of our analysis support the existence of direct morphogenetic correlation between the number and distribution of normal and supernumerary scutes and metamere organization of the turtle embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady Cherepanov
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yegor Malashichev
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor Danilov
- Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Szczygielski T, Słowiak J, Dróżdż D. Shell variability in the stem turtles Proterochersis spp. PeerJ 2019; 6:e6134. [PMID: 30595986 PMCID: PMC6305121 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Turtle shells tend to exhibit frequent and substantial variability, both in bone and scute layout. Aside from secondary changes, caused by diseases, parasites, and trauma, this variability appears to be inherent and result from stochastic or externally induced flaws of developmental programs. It is, thus, expected to be present in fossil turtle species at least as prominently, as in modern populations. Descriptions of variability and ontogeny are, however, rare for fossil turtles, mainly due to rarity, incompleteness, damage, and post-mortem deformation of their remains. This paper is an attempt at description and interpretation of external shell variability in representatives of the oldest true turtles, Proterochersis robusta and Proterochersis porebensis (Proterochersidae, the sister group to all other known testudinatans) from the Late Triassic (Norian) of Germany and Poland. Methods All the available shell remains of Proterochersis robusta (13 specimens) and Proterochersis porebensis (275 specimens) were studied morphologically in order to identify any ontogenetic changes, intraspecific variability, sexual dimorphism, and shell abnormalities. To test the inferred sexual dimorphism, shape analyses were performed for two regions (gular and anal) of the plastron. Results Proterochersis spp. exhibits large shell variability, and at least some of the observed changes seem to be correlated with ontogeny (growth of gulars, extragulars, caudals, and marginals, disappearance of middorsal keel on the carapace). Several specimens show abnormal layout of scute sulci, several others unusual morphologies of vertebral scute areas, one has an additional pair of plastral scutes, and one extraordinarily pronounced, likely pathological, growth rings on the carapace. Both species are represented in a wide spectrum of sizes, from hatchlings to old, mature individuals. The largest fragmentary specimens of Proterochersis porebensis allow estimation of its maximal carapace length at approximately 80 cm, while Proterochersis robusta appears to have reached lower maximal sizes. Discussion This is the second contribution describing variability among numerous specimens of Triassic turtles, and the first to show evidence of unambiguous shell abnormalities. Presented data supplement the sparse knowledge of shell scute development in the earliest turtles and suggest that at least some aspects of the developmental programs governing scute development were already similar in the Late Triassic to these of modern forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Szczygielski
- Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Paleobiology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Słowiak
- Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dawid Dróżdż
- Department of Evolutionary Paleobiology, Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Imhoff C, Giri F, Siroski P, Amavet P. Analysis of morphological variability and heritability in the head of the Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae): undisturbed vs. disturbed environments. ZOOLOGY 2018; 127:47-62. [PMID: 29576385 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of biotic and abiotic factors influencing fitness produce selective pressures that promote local adaptation and divergence among different populations of the same species. In order for adaptations to be maintained through evolutionary time, heritable genetic variation controlling the expression of the morphological features under selection is necessary. Here we compare morphological shape variability and size of the cephalic region of Salvator merianae specimens from undisturbed environments to those of individuals from disturbed environments, and estimated heritability for shape and size using geometric morphometric and quantitative genetics tools. The results of these analyzes indicated that there are statistically significant differences in shape and size between populations from the two environments. Possibly, one of the main determinants of cephalic shape and size is adaptation to the characteristics of the environment and to the trophic niche. Individuals from disturbed environments have a cephalic region with less shape variation and also have a larger centroid size when compared to individuals from undisturbed environments. The high heritability values obtained for shape and size in dorsal view and right side view indicate that these phenotypic characters have a great capacity to respond to the selection pressures to which they are subjected. Data obtained here could be used as an important tool when establishing guidelines for plans for the sustainable use and conservation of S. merianae and other species living in disturbed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Imhoff
- Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Federico Giri
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología (CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, UNL, Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Pablo Siroski
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), A. del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-CONICET), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF) Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia Amavet
- Laboratorio de Genética, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, UNL, CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), A. del Valle 8700, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Abnormal Shell Shapes in Northern Map Turtles of the Juniata River, Pennsylvania, USA. J HERPETOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1670/17-030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Kundu S, Kumar V, Laskar BA, Tyagi K, Chandra K. Morphology and genetic variation in the endangered tortoise Manouria emys: distinct lineages or plastron anomalies? Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2018; 3:166-170. [PMID: 33474106 PMCID: PMC7800038 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1437795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Kundu
- Molecular Systematics Division, Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Molecular Systematics Division, Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Boni Amin Laskar
- Freshwater Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kaomud Tyagi
- Molecular Systematics Division, Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Molecular Systematics Division, Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India
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The causes and ecological correlates of head scale asymmetry and fragmentation in a tropical snake. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11363. [PMID: 28900296 PMCID: PMC5595785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenge of identifying the proximate causes and ecological consequences of phenotypic variation can be facilitated by studying traits that are usually but not always bilaterally symmetrical; deviations from symmetry likely reflect disrupted embryogenesis. Based on a 19-year mark-recapture study of >1300 slatey-grey snakes (Stegonotus cucullatus) in tropical Australia, and incubation of >700 eggs, we document developmental and ecological correlates of two morphological traits: asymmetry and fragmentation of head scales. Asymmetry was directional (more scales on the left side) and was higher in individuals with lower heterozygosity, but was not heritable. In contrast, fragmentation was heritable and was higher in females than males. Both scale asymmetry and fragmentation were increased by rapid embryogenesis but were not affected by hydric conditions during incubation. Snakes with asymmetry and fragmentation exhibited slightly lower survival and increased (sex-specific) movements, and females with more scale fragmentation produced smaller eggs. Counterintuitively, snakes with more asymmetry had higher growth rates (possibly reflecting trade-offs with other traits), and snakes with more fragmentation had fewer parasites (possibly due to lower feeding rates). Our data paint an unusually detailed picture of the complex genetic and environmental factors that, by disrupting early embryonic development, generate variations in morphology that have detectable correlations with ecological performance.
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Kobayashi S, Morimoto Y, Kondo S, Sato T, Suganuma H, Arai K, Watanabe G. Sex Differences and the Heritability of Scute Pattern Abnormalities in the Green Sea Turtle from the Ogasawara Archipelago, Japan. Zoolog Sci 2017; 34:281-286. [DOI: 10.2108/zs160159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Kobayashi
- Department of Biological Production Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | | | - Satomi Kondo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia, Kanagawa 221-0822, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sato
- Everlasting Nature of Asia, Kanagawa 221-0822, Japan
| | | | - Katsuhiko Arai
- Department of Biological Production Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
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Zimm R, Bentley BP, Wyneken J, Moustakas-Verho JE. Environmental Causation of Turtle Scute Anomalies in ovo and in silico. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:1303-1311. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Kundu S, Kumar V, Laskar BA, Chandra K, Tyagi K. Mitochondrial DNA effectively detects non-native Testudines: Invisible wildlife trade in northeast India. GENE REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Veríssimo J, Znari M, Stuckas H, Fritz U, Pereira P, Teixeira J, Arculeo M, Marrone F, Sacco F, Naimi M, Kehlmaier C, Velo-Antón G. Pleistocene diversification in Morocco and recent demographic expansion in the Mediterranean pond turtleMauremys leprosa. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Veríssimo
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto; Rua Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - Mohamed Znari
- Laboratory ‘Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics’; Department of Biology; Faculty of Science-Semlalia; Cadi Ayyad University; Avenue Prince Moulay Abdellah 40000 Marrakech Morocco
| | - Heiko Stuckas
- Museum of Zoology; Senckenberg Dresden A. B. Meyer Building 01109 Dresden Germany
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology; Senckenberg Dresden A. B. Meyer Building 01109 Dresden Germany
| | - Paulo Pereira
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto; Rua Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto Portugal
| | - José Teixeira
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research; University of Porto; Rua dos Bragas n.289 4050-123 Porto Portugal
| | - Marco Arculeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università di Palermo; Via Archirafi18 90123 Palermo Italy
| | - Federico Marrone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università di Palermo; Via Archirafi18 90123 Palermo Italy
| | - Francesco Sacco
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche; Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF); Università di Palermo; Via Archirafi18 90123 Palermo Italy
| | - Mohamed Naimi
- Laboratory ‘Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics’; Department of Biology; Faculty of Science-Semlalia; Cadi Ayyad University; Avenue Prince Moulay Abdellah 40000 Marrakech Morocco
| | - Christian Kehlmaier
- Museum of Zoology; Senckenberg Dresden A. B. Meyer Building 01109 Dresden Germany
| | - Guillermo Velo-Antón
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; R. Padre Armando Quintas 4485-661 Vairão Portugal
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Ming-Ch'eng Adams CI, Baker JE, Kjellerup BV. Toxicological effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on freshwater turtles in the United States. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:148-154. [PMID: 27043381 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of vertebrate health effects originating from persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has remained a challenge for decades thus making the identification of bioindicators difficult. POPs are predominantly present in soil and sediment, where they adhere to particles due to their hydrophobic characteristics. Animals inhabiting soil and sediment can be exposed to PCBs via dermal exposure while others may obtain PCBs through contaminated trophic interaction. Freshwater turtles can serve as bioindicators due to their strong site fidelity, longevity and varied diet. Previous research observed the health effects of PCBs on turtles such as decreased bone mass, changed sexual development and decreased immune responses through studying both contaminated sites along with laboratory experimentation. Higher deformity rates in juveniles, increased mortality and slower growth have also been observed. Toxicological effects of PCBs vary between species of freshwater turtles and depend on the concertation and configuration of PCB congeners. Evaluation of ecotoxicological effects of PCBs in non-endangered turtles could provide important knowledge about the health effects of endangered turtle species thus inform the design of remediation strategies. In this review, the PCB presence in freshwater turtle habitats and the ecotoxicological effects were investigated with the aim of utilizing the health status to identify areas of focus for freshwater turtle conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Isabel Ming-Ch'eng Adams
- Iowa State University, 353 Bessey Hall, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Ames, IA 50011-1020, USA
| | - Joel E Baker
- University of Washington Tacoma, The Center for Urban Waters, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100, USA
| | - Birthe V Kjellerup
- University of Maryland at College Park, A. James Clark School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Moustakas-Verho JE, Cherepanov GO. The integumental appendages of the turtle shell: an evo-devo perspective. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2016; 324:221-9. [PMID: 25877335 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The turtle shell is composed of dorsal armor (carapace) and ventral armor (plastron) covered by a keratinized epithelium. There are two epithelial appendages of the turtle shell: scutes (large epidermal shields separated by furrows and forming a unique mosaic) and tubercles (numerous small epidermal bumps located on the carapaces of some species). In our perspective, we take a synthetic, comparative approach to consider the homology and evolution of these integumental appendages. Scutes have been more intensively studied, as they are autapomorphic for turtles and can be diagnostic taxonomically. Their pattern of tessellation is stable phylogenetically, but labile in the individual. We discuss the history of developmental investigations of these structures and hypotheses of evolutionary and anomalous variation. In our estimation, the scutes of the turtle shell are an evolutionary novelty, whereas the tubercles found on the shells of some turtles are homologous to reptilian scales.
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Loehr VJ. Wide variation in carapacial scute patterns in a natural population of speckled tortoises,Homopus signatus. AFR J HERPETOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2016.1146168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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29
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Bárcenas-Ibarra A, de la Cueva H, Rojas-Lleonart I, Abreu-Grobois FA, Lozano-Guzmán RI, Cuevas E, García-Gasca A. First approximation to congenital malformation rates in embryos and hatchlings of sea turtles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 103:203-24. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Horacio de la Cueva
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada; Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918 Zona Playitas; Ensenada Baja California Mexico
| | | | - F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán; Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mazatlán Sinaloa Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Cuevas
- Pronatura Península de Yucatán; A.C.; Mérida Yucatán Mexico
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Velo-Antón G, Pereira P, Fahd S, Teixeira J, Fritz U. Out of Africa: did Emys orbicularis occidentalis cross the Strait of Gibraltar twice? AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00002989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The narrow Strait of Gibraltar has separated the African and European continents since the Miocene (5.3 Mya), with a different degree of permeability for Mediterranean taxa. Southern and northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, respectively, are key areas to evaluate the colonization dynamics and biogeographic history of taxa occurring at both sides of this strait. The Ibero-Maghrebian subspecies of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis occidentalis, is patchily distributed and threatened throughout most of the Iberian Peninsula and northern Morocco and its origin is thought to be in North Africa. Here we expand the geographic sampling across the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, with special emphasis in the southern tip of the peninsula and northern Morocco, and analyze mtDNA sequences of 183 E. o. occidentalis to better understand the complex biogeographic history of this subspecies. We provide for the first time evidence for shared haplotypes of Iberian and North African pond turtles, with an additional haplotype in the southern Iberian Peninsula derived from Moroccan haplotypes. This supports the hypothesis that the Strait of Gibraltar constitutes no significant biogeographic barrier for E. orbicularis. However, the newly discovered shared, or extremely similar, haplotypes of European pond turtles from the southern Iberian Peninsula and Morocco suggest either that at least two independent natural colonization waves from Morocco have reached the Iberian Peninsula or that Moroccan turtles were accidentally or deliberately introduced there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Velo-Antón
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão, R. Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pereira
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão, R. Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Soumia Fahd
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tétouan, Université Abdelmalek Essaâdi, Tétouan, Morocco
| | - José Teixeira
- CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão, R. Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas n. 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A.B. Meyer Building, 01109 Dresden, Germany
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Sim EL, Booth DT, Limpus CJ, Guinea ML. A Comparison of Hatchling Locomotor Performance and Scute Pattern Variation between Two Rookeries of the Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus). COPEIA 2014. [DOI: 10.1643/ch-13-018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Davy CM, Murphy RW. Conservation genetics of the endangered Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) illustrate the risks of “bottleneck tests”. CAN J ZOOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2013-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies of population genetics in turtles have suggested that turtles do not experience genetic impacts of bottlenecks as strongly as expected. However, recent studies cast doubt on two commonly used tests implemented in the program BOTTLENECK, suggesting that these findings should be re-evaluated. The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata (Schneider, 1792)) is endangered both globally and within Canada, but genetic data required to develop effective recovery strategies are unavailable. Here, we conducted the first study of population genetic structure in C. guttata. We then used multiple small populations of C. guttata as replicates to test whether the commonly used program BOTTLENECK could detect the genetic signature of bottlenecks in our study populations, which are all thought to have experienced significant declines in the past 2–3 generations (75 years). Turtles (n = 256) were genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci. A suite of Bayesian population genetics analyses and a principal coordinates analysis identified a minimum of 6 distinct genetic populations and a maximum of 10 differentiated subpopulations across the sampled Canadian range of C. guttata, which corresponded to demographically independent units. BOTTLENECK failed to detect population declines. A literature review found that bottleneck tests in 17 of 18 previous genetic studies of tortoises and freshwater turtles were based on suboptimal sampling, potentially confounding their results. High retention of genetic diversity (allelic richness and heterozygosity) in isolated populations of C. guttata and other turtle species is encouraging for species recovery, but conclusions about the prevalence of genetic bottlenecks in such populations should be re-examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Davy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
| | - Robert W. Murphy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
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Palmieri C, Selleri P, Di Girolamo N, Montani A, Della Salda L. Multiple Congenital Malformations in a Dicephalic Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera). J Comp Pathol 2013; 149:368-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.11.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ikonomopoulou MP, Olszowy H, Francis R, Ibrahim K, Whittier J. Accumulation of trace metals in the embryos and hatchlings of Chelonia mydas from Peninsular Malaysia incubated at different temperatures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 450-451:301-306. [PMID: 23500829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A variety of trace metals were measured in the egg contents of three clutches of Chelonia mydas collected from Kuala Terengganu state in Peninsular Malaysia. We quantified Mn, Cu, Zn, Se (essential trace metals) and As (anthropogenic pollutant) at several developmental stages obtained by incubating eggs at two different temperatures (27 °C and 31 °C). The incubation temperatures were chosen because they produce predominantly male or predominantly female hatchlings, respectively. The eggs were removed from the sand and washed before being placed in incubators, to ensure that the only possible source of the detected metals was maternal transfer. Other metals: Mo, Co, Ni, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl and Pb (all non-essential metals) were detected at concentrations below the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). Trace metal concentrations, particularly [Zn], increased during development, other metals (Cu, As, Se and Cr) accumulated to a lesser degree than zinc but no significant differences were observed between the incubation temperatures at any stage of incubation. To date, only a few studies on trace metals in turtle embryos and hatchlings have been reported; this study will provide basic knowledge on the accumulation of trace metals during development at two different incubation temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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