Albumen, the source of the embryos’ ability to absorb the yolk and therefore develop, decreases as the season progresses, while egg yolk and residual yolk mass within the hatchling remains the same. It is known that while egg size decreases over the course of the season, clutch size remains the same. Female physiological condition was compared with nesting event, clutch size, egg size and components. Blood samples were taken in order to assess the adult female’s physiological condition. An incubation study was performed in 2009 to determine if there are any differences in in-situ versus constant temperature incubation. This study was conducted on Blackbeard and Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuges during the 20 Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season. Therefore, understanding maternal contributions and strategies in reproduction can reflect how resources are allocated in response to environmental conditions that affect embryonic development, hatchling and juvenile survival, and population dynamics. Sea turtles have high seasonal fecundity and display little variation in egg size, and instead maximize clutch size. Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University Caretta Research Project Caretta Research Project respect to reptiles, turtles have the least developed post-ovulatory parental care. 4 Seasonal Variation in Maternal Investment of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle ( Caretta caretta) KLEIN, T.
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