Modeling underwater visual ability and varied color expression in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in relation to potential mate preference by females

Humans have greatly altered the natural distribution of species, making it difficult to distinguish between natural and introduced populations. This is a problem for conservation efforts because native or introduced status can determine whether a species is afforded protection or persecuted as an invasive pest. Holocene colonization events are especially difficult to discern, particularly when the species in question is a naturally good disperser and widely transported by people. In this study, we test the origin of such a species, the diamondback terrapin ( Malaclemys terrapin ), on Bermuda using a combination of palaeontologic (fossil, radiometric and palaeoenvironmental) and genetic data. These lines of evidence support the hypothesis that terrapins are relatively recent (between 3000 and 400 years ago) natural colonizers of Bermuda. The tiny population of Bermudian terrapins represents the second naturally occurring non-marine reptile that still survives on one of the most densely populated and heavily developed oceanic islands in the world. We recommend that they should be given protection as a native species.

Download Full-text

Mating system and dispersal patterns in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

10.17918/etd-3323 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Claire Marie Sheridan

Keyword(s):

Mating System ◽

Diamondback Terrapin ◽

Malaclemys Terrapin ◽

Dispersal Patterns

Download Full-text

Osmoregulation in the Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys Terrapin Centrata

Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.1242/jeb.46.1.161 ◽

1967 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 161-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P. J. BENTLEY ◽

W. L. BRETZ ◽

KNUT SCHMIDT-NIELSEN

Keyword(s):

Fresh Water ◽

Solute Concentration ◽

Diamondback Terrapin ◽

Malaclemys Terrapin ◽

Excess Sodium ◽

Diamondback Terrapins ◽

Do So

1. While in hypertonic environment diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys centrata) slowly lose water by osmosis through the integument and as urine through the kidney. 2. Small amounts of sodium are gained, probably largely as a result of diffusion through the integument rather than by drinking, and this sodium is principally excreted extrarenally. Nevertheless, the solute concentration in the blood of such turtles increases. 3. When returned to fresh water the animals rehydrate and excrete accumulated excess sodium. 4. In these ways they could undoubtedly survive for extended periods in the absence of fresh water, but it is not clear whether they could do so indefinitely.

Download Full-text

Naive Juvenile Diamondback Terrapins: Kin Recognition in Controlled Encounter Experiments

Elements ◽

10.6017/eurj.v3i1.8984 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Brad Macdonald ◽

Alexis Rife

Keyword(s):

Social Behavior ◽

Kin Selection ◽

Kin Recognition ◽

Diamondback Terrapin ◽

Malaclemys Terrapin ◽

Selection Theory ◽

Boston College ◽

Diamondback Terrapins ◽

Existing Data

Northern diamondback terrapin (<span style="font-family: mceinline;"><em>malaclemys terrapin</em>) turtle </span>hatchlings raised as part of a laboratory headstarting program are the focus of kin recognition studies taking place at Boston College. Experiments examining basking behaviors in 13 trials of familiar kin and 11 trials of unfamiliar non-kin. Familiar kin averaged more aggressive engagements per trial (2.44 vs. 0.36), more displacements per trial (13.36 vs. 3.91), and more instances of climbing on one another (13.36 vs. 2.36). Familiar kin basked in congregations more frequently per trial than unfamiliar non-kin. These data suggest that diamondback terrapins treat each other differently based on either kinship or familiarity-or both. Further research will be conducted on familiar and unfamiliar kin and non-kin groupings to help elucidate the existing data by determining which variable has greater consequence and if Hamilton's kin selection theory can be applied to terrapin juvenile social behavior.

Download Full-text