Breeding traits of Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni in two western populations

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Cheylan ◽  
Jean Pierre Nougarède ◽  
Aurelio Marín ◽  
Albert Bertolero
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Ebro Delta ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Testudo Hermanni ◽  
Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

AbstractOver a period of two years we used radiology to investigate breeding traits in females of two western populations of the threatened Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. The main purpose of the study was to see if reproductive traits – clutch size, clutch frequency, annual egg production and egg width – varied between populations in Corsica (France) and the Ebro Delta (Spain), and if these traits were affected by female body size and amounts of spring rainfall. All the breeding traits analysed were greater in the Corsican population than in the Ebro Delta population. These differences were also significant when we used female body size as a covariable. In both populations the amount of spring rainfall affected breeding traits but not clutch size. Nevertheless, only in the Corsican population did clutch frequency, annual egg production and egg width increase significantly in the year with a wet spring. Contrary to the predictions of Optimal Propagule Size theory, we found that egg size and clutch size increased with female size, and that both variables were independent. On the other hand, clutch frequency was not related to female body size. Thus, in the Hermann's tortoise, as clutch size did not change between years and clutch frequency was independent of female size, all females are able to increase their reproductive output in years with favourable conditions by increasing their clutch frequency. Nevertheless, other factors besides female size and rainfall may influence in a highly complex way variability in breeding traits among populations.

scholarly journals Variations in the reproductive strategies of three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus in China

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5705
Author(s):  
Tao Liang ◽  
Lu Zhou ◽  
Wenfeng He ◽  
Lirong Xiao ◽  
Lei Shi
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Reproductive Strategies ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Morphological Constraint

Background Egg size and clutch size are key life history traits. During the breeding period, it is possible for females to increase their reproductive output either by increasing the number of eggs if the optimal egg size (OES) is maintained, or by increasing the allocation of energy to each egg. However, the strategies adopted are often influenced by animals’ morphology and environment. Methods Here, we examined variation in female morphological and reproductive traits, tested for trade-offs between egg size and clutch size, and evaluated the relationship between egg size and female morphology in three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus. Results Female body size, egg size, and clutch size were larger in the Yi Ning (YN) and Fu Yun (FY) populations than in the Bei Tun (BT) population (the FY and YN populations laid more, and rounder eggs). Egg size was independent of female body size in two populations (BT and FY), even though both populations had an egg-size/clutch size trade-off. In the YN population, egg size and clutch size were independent, but egg size was correlated with female body size, consistent with the hypothesis of morphological constraint. Conclusions Our study found geographical variation in body size and reproductive strategies of P. helioscopus. Egg size was correlated with morphology in the larger-bodied females of the YN population, but not in the smaller-bodied females of the BT population, illustrating that constraints on female body size and egg size are not consistent between populations.

Reproductive aspects of the shrimp Cuapetes americanus (Kingsley, 1878) (Caridea, Palaemonidae) from Bocas del Toro, Panama

Crustaceana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (7-10) ◽  
pp. 1061-1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Negri ◽  
Tatiana Magalhães ◽  
Natália Rossi ◽  
Darryl L. Felder ◽  
Fernando L. Mantelatto
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
The Body ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Bocas Del Toro ◽  
Female Body Size

The shrimpCuapetes americanusis widely distributed in shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting sandy and rocky bottoms, macroalgae, seagrass beds, and mangrove roots. As the life cycle and ecology of this species remain poorly known, we investigated some reproductive traits of this species at Bocas del Toro, Panama. We collected and examined 167 individuals (63 males, 58 non-ovigerous females and 46 ovigerous females). Although males numerically dominated the larger size classes, ovigerous females were significantly larger than males and non-ovigerous females. All 46 ovigerous females were used to calculate embryo loss and embryo volume increase. Only females with eggs at an initial developmental stage () were used to estimate fecundity and reproductive output. A mean of 75.84 ± 40.16 embryos () occurred per female, a value near those reported for other species of Pontoniinae. A positive correlation between fecundity and female body size was observed, but it lacked significance. Likewise, a significant correlation between female body size and embryo volume was not detected. Embryo volume increased 35%, and females lost 26% of embryos on average during the incubation period, though significant changes were measurable only during early embryonic development. Mean reproductive output in the analysed reproductive event (0.22 ± 0.11, ) suggested a rate of energy investment in reproduction higher than average, as compared to females of most other decapods. A decrease in relative reproductive output was observed with the increase of female size, indicating that larger females were investing proportionally less energy in reproduction than smaller ones, when measured in relation to the body size, but this correlation also lacked significance. We review how these initial insights on reproduction ofC. americanusat Bocas del Toro compare to those of other populations in various localities.

Clutch and egg size of the tropical lizard Tropidurus torquatus (Tropiduridae) along its geographic range in coastal eastern Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 1376-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Kiefer ◽  
M. Van Sluys ◽  
C. F.D. Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Investment ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Minimum Size ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Almost All

The tropidurid lizard Tropidurus torquatus (Wied, 1820) has a set of populations inhabiting coastal sand dune habitats (“restinga”) along the eastern Brazilian coast. Despite its wide geographic range, there is no information about geographic variation in reproductive features among its populations. In the present study we compared some reproductive aspects of females in 10 coastal populations of T. torquatus, aiming to evaluate to what extension they vary geographically. The minimum size at maturity was relatively similar to most populations, but mean female body size had a considerable variation. Clutch size of almost all coastal populations of T. torquatus had little variation and was composed predominantly of two eggs. Interpopulational variation in the mean egg volume was relatively wide and strongly influenced by the variation in mean female body size. The data of the present study indicated that females of almost all coastal populations of T. torquatus produce, predominantly, clutches with two eggs and invest more energy in egg size instead of clutch size, probably as a consequence of morphological and environmental factors. The increased reproductive investment in egg size was confirmed by the values obtained for the relative clutch mass, which remained relatively constant along the coastal geographic distribution of T. torquatus.

Female reproductive characteristics of the Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis taurica) in the northwestern periphery of its range

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Ljubisavljević ◽  
Georg Džukić ◽  
Miloš Kalezić
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Species Range ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Female Reproductive Traits ◽  
Gravid Females

AbstractWe present data on the female reproductive traits of the Balkan wall lizard in the Deliblato Sand, a large continental sandland in the Pannonian area in the northwestern periphery of the species range. The clutch and egg characteristics of the population were investigated on the basis of clutches laid in laboratory conditions by gravid females captured in one locality. Balkan wall lizards produced at least two clutches in a breeding season. Individual females laid clutches of commonly two (range 1–4) eggs. The female body size had no effect on clutch and egg size. There was no trade-off between egg size and clutch size.

scholarly journals Reproduction of a whiptail lizard (Ameivula ocellifera, Teiidae) from a coastal area in northeastern Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 1263-1272 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJAN ZANCHI-SILVA ◽  
DIVA M. BORGES-NOJOSA ◽  
CONRADO A.B. GALDINO
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Coastal Area ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Female Body ◽  
The State ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Egg Volume ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Female Body Size

The reproductive ecology of Ameivula ocellifera was studied from September 2009 to August 2010 in a coastal area of the state of Ceará, Brazil. Females reproduced continuously throughout the year, with a peak at the end of the rainy season. Even though there was a predominance of pre-reproductive individuals in the sample, gonadal activity of males peaked synchronously to female reproduction. Mean clutch size was 1.98 ± 0.56 and positively associated with female body size, while mean egg volume was 510.54 ± 84.29 mm3 and unrelated to female body size. We did not find any association between clutch size and average egg volume.

scholarly journals Variation of Reproductive Traits and Female Body Size in the Most Widely-Ranging Terrestrial Reptile: Testing the Effects of Reproductive Mode, Lineage, and Climate

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgeny S. Roitberg ◽  
Valentina N. Kuranova ◽  
Nina A. Bulakhova ◽  
Valentina F. Orlova ◽  
Galina V. Eplanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Mode ◽  
Female Body Size

Geographic variation in female body size and clutch size of the lizard Sceloporus variabilis (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) in Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelio Ramírez‐Bautista ◽  
Raciel Cruz‐Elizalde ◽  
Barry P. Stephenson ◽  
Uriel Hernández‐Salinas
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Female Body Size

scholarly journals Quality versus quantity: The balance between egg and clutch size among Australian amphibians is related to life history and environmental conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Gould ◽  
Chad Beranek ◽  
Jose Valdez ◽  
Michael Mahony
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Female Body Size

AbstractAn inverse relationship between egg and clutch size has been found repeatedly across animal groups, including birds, reptiles and amphibians, and is considered to be a result of resource limitations and physical constraints on the reproducing female. However, few studies have contextualised this relationship with respect to various environmental selecting pressures and life history traits that have also likely influenced the selection of an optimal egg/clutch size combination, while even fewer have tested these interrelationships using robust natural history datasets. In this study, we aimed to test current hypothesises regarding these relationships on both egg and clutch sizes among the Australian Anurans, which to date have not received this kind of investigation. Specifically, we looked at the influence of environmental selecting pressures (egg laying location, environment persistence and bioregion) and life history traits (adult female body size, egg development type, parental care level, breeding period and temporal breeding pattern). As expected, a clear inverse relationship was found between egg and clutch size, while female body size was positively related to both. Generally speaking, smaller clutches of larger eggs tended to be produced by species that i) oviposit terrestrially, ii) showcase direct development and iii) possess high levels of parental care. Temporal breeding pattern was strongly related to clutch size only, with large clutches occurring in explosive breeding species, while breeding habitat was strongly related to egg size only, with large eggs sizes occurring in terrestrial species. Altogether, these findings indicate that numerous factors have likely influenced the evolution of an optimal clutch type in this group, highlighting the importance of incorporating such variables into animal studies on egg and clutch sizes.

Egg burial depth by sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): implications for survival of embryos and natural selection on female body size

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 836-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan P Steen ◽  
Thomas P Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Sockeye Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Nerka ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Burial Depth ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Substrate Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Stream Bed

We studied the relationship between female sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) body size and egg burial depth in a small Alaskan stream to better understand the ways in which stream-bed scour or digging by other females might destroy embryos. Two different measurements of egg burial depth were taken: depth from the original stream-bed surface to the top of the egg pocket and depth from the disturbed substrate directly above the egg pocket to the top of the egg pocket. The former may represent the depth to which stream-bed scouring would have to go to reach the eggs, but the latter represents the depth to which a second female would have to dig to disturb the egg pocket. Larger females buried their eggs deeper, relative to the original substrate level, than smaller females. This suggests that streams with frequent scour events would select for larger females. However, mean depth from the disturbed substrate level was significantly shallower than mean depth from the original stream-bed level, suggesting that even the smallest females could dig deep enough to disturb the egg pockets of the largest females. Finally, the egg burial depth - fish size relationship that we observed was compared with published data on other salmonid species, revealing considerable variation but a clear positive relationship between female size and burial depth. Because embryonic survival is affected by scour and nest disturbance, and because changes in fish body size, density, and flow regime can affect the vulnerability of embryos to such mortality, we recommend further, standardized measurements of the relationship between egg burial depth and female body size.

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