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The physiological effects of Sargassum beach coverage on three species of sea turtle hatchlings
Title
The physiological effects of Sargassum beach coverage on three species of sea turtle hatchlings.
Creator
Chaney, Abigail, Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Sea turtle hatchlings face a variety of obstacles as they crawl down the beach to the ocean after emergence. One of these obstacles is Sargassum, a floating brown macroalgae, that washes up in large quantities on beaches from Florida to South America. This study examined the physiological response and physical performance of three species of sea turtle hatchlings (D. coriacea, C. caretta, and C. mydas) after crawling over various heights of Sargassum. In all three species, the addition of...
Show moreSea turtle hatchlings face a variety of obstacles as they crawl down the beach to the ocean after emergence. One of these obstacles is Sargassum, a floating brown macroalgae, that washes up in large quantities on beaches from Florida to South America. This study examined the physiological response and physical performance of three species of sea turtle hatchlings (D. coriacea, C. caretta, and C. mydas) after crawling over various heights of Sargassum. In all three species, the addition of Sargassum significantly increased the amount of time it took to crawl down the pathway. There was no significant difference in righting response, blood glucose levels, or plasma corticosterone concentrations between different crawling treatments. During periods of high Sargassum accumulation, hatchlings will spend more time on the beach trying to navigate through the algae, leaving them vulnerable to predation for longer periods of time.
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Date Issued
2022
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013939
Subject Headings
Sea turtles, Sargassum, Sea turtles--Ecology
Format
Document (PDF)
Incubation temperature, morphology, and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling hydrodynamics
Title
Incubation temperature, morphology, and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling hydrodynamics.
Creator
Moyle, Alexis K., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
High nest incubation temperatures can result in numerous physiological and behavioral outcomes in sea turtle hatchlings, including body characteristics for efficient swimming. This project examined the effects of incubation temperature on yolk metabolization, body morphology, buoyancy, swimming kinematics, and blood chemistry to better understand variations in locomotor performance in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings of South Florida. Nest temperatures, body measurements,...
Show moreHigh nest incubation temperatures can result in numerous physiological and behavioral outcomes in sea turtle hatchlings, including body characteristics for efficient swimming. This project examined the effects of incubation temperature on yolk metabolization, body morphology, buoyancy, swimming kinematics, and blood chemistry to better understand variations in locomotor performance in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings of South Florida. Nest temperatures, body measurements, and blood samples were collected in conjunction with swim-trial force measurements and video recordings. Data suggest hatchlings from nests with higher incubation temperatures tend to be significantly smaller in size, less buoyant, and display lower power stroke frequencies. These variations between hatchling morphology and performance indicate hatchlings from high temperature nests (i.e., >33°C) may exhibit weaker swimming abilities. The results of this study provide a further understanding of the effect of incubation temperatures on hatchling physiology and early survival in their important frenzy period.
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Date Issued
2023
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014268
Subject Headings
Loggerhead turtle, Eggs--Incubation, Sea turtles--Ecology
Format
Document (PDF)
Specific dynamic action in hatchling and post-hatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta ) sea turtles
Title
Specific dynamic action in hatchling and post-hatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta ) sea turtles.
Creator
Kowalski, Amy, Florida Atlantic University, Milton, Sarah L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Specific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of...
Show moreSpecific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of sea turtle (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta) at 7, 30, 60, & 90 days post-hatching. Turtles were fed a known amount of food, and oxygen consumption was monitored using a metabolic chamber. SDA percentage of total energy did not increase with age (species pooled), although magnitude of SDA was higher in C. mydas when compared to C. caretta (ages pooled). These results imply that SDA does not increase proportionally with age, and that hatchling C. mydas use more absolute energy for SDA than C. caretta .
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Date Issued
2005
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13283
Subject Headings
Adaptation (Biology), Sea turtles--Feeding and feeds, Physiology, Comparative, Sea turtles--Ecology
Format
Document (PDF)
Ecological correlates of the abundance of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on nearshore reefs in southeast Florida
Title
Ecological correlates of the abundance of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on nearshore reefs in southeast Florida.
Creator
Stadler, Melanie, Salmon, Michael, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in...
Show moreJuvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in reef area (caused by sand covering) through time (11 years). Turtles were most abundant on shallow reefs exposed to high light levels that remained stable (uncovered by sand) for long periods of time. These reefs had the highest diversity of algal species, in part because cropping by the turtles prevented any one species from becoming dominant. My results suggest that both physical and biological factors make some reefs more attractive to turtles than others
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Date Issued
2013
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004064
Subject Headings
Conservation biology -- Florida, Ecology -- Statistical methods, Sea turtles -- Ecology -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- Florida
Format
Document (PDF)
USE OF STABLE ISOTOPES TO INFER FORAGING NICHE IN TWO MARINE TURTLE SPECIES: CHELONIA MYDAS AND ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA
Title
USE OF STABLE ISOTOPES TO INFER FORAGING NICHE IN TWO MARINE TURTLE SPECIES: CHELONIA MYDAS AND ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA.
Creator
Moorehouse, Melissa, Baldwin, John, Florida Atlantic University, Environmental Studies Program, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to describe a population’s foraging niche by identifying basal resource use, trophic feeding levels, environmental stability, seasonal ecological variation, important shifts in life history, ontogenetic shifts, intraspecific habitat use, and population dynamics. Describing these relationships in endangered marine turtle populations and their critical foraging grounds is essential for determining informed management decisions. This...
Show moreStable isotope analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to describe a population’s foraging niche by identifying basal resource use, trophic feeding levels, environmental stability, seasonal ecological variation, important shifts in life history, ontogenetic shifts, intraspecific habitat use, and population dynamics. Describing these relationships in endangered marine turtle populations and their critical foraging grounds is essential for determining informed management decisions. This study systematically describes the foraging niche of hawksbills Eretmochelys imbricata, and green turtles, Chelonia mydas in Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands, a critical habitat for nesting and foraging. It assesses the relationships within and between the species in terms of overlap, annual and seasonal variation, and life history and feeding strategies within the community. Most importantly it describes these relationships with metrics that can be used in global comparisons or to measure change in local conditions.
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Date Issued
2020
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013456
Subject Headings
Stable isotopes, Stable isotopes--Analysis, Sea turtles--Ecology, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata
Format
Document (PDF)
Activity and Habitat Selection by Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas. L.) Hatchlings: A Laboratory and Field Study.
Title
Activity and Habitat Selection by Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas. L.) Hatchlings: A Laboratory and Field Study.
Creator
Smith, Morgan M., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Loggerhead and green turtle neonates migrate from Florida's coast during a 24-36 h frenzy. Post-frenzy loggerheads are often found in flotsam (Sargassum), while postfrenzy green turtles "disappear." This study compared the frenzy and post-frenzy activity of each species, their response to flotsam (in the laboratory and field), and the role of experience in habitat selection. Both species were most active during day I; activity thereafter declined (especially in loggerheads). Inactive...
Show moreLoggerhead and green turtle neonates migrate from Florida's coast during a 24-36 h frenzy. Post-frenzy loggerheads are often found in flotsam (Sargassum), while postfrenzy green turtles "disappear." This study compared the frenzy and post-frenzy activity of each species, their response to flotsam (in the laboratory and field), and the role of experience in habitat selection. Both species were most active during day I; activity thereafter declined (especially in loggerheads). Inactive loggerheads occupied Sargassum and open water (day or night) whereas inactive green turtles occupied Sargassum by day and both habitats at night. Exposure to Sargassum had no effect on the later habitat choices ofloggerheads, while exposed green turtles preferred Sargassum over plastic plants. In the field, both species preferred flotsam to open water, but occupied distinct microhabitats. Loggerheads preferred the mat surface while green turtles hid within the mat. Differences in activity and habitat selection likely reflect species-specific migratory and anti-predator strategies.
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Date Issued
2007
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000832
Subject Headings
Sea turtles--Ecology--Case studies, Wildlife conservation--Case studies, Habitat partitioning (Ecology), Adaptation (Biology)
Format
Document (PDF)
Origins, movements, and foraging behavior of Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Palm Beach County waters, Florida, USA
Title
Origins, movements, and foraging behavior of Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Palm Beach County waters, Florida, USA.
Creator
Wood, Lawrence D., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
This dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex...
Show moreThis dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95%, 50%, and 25% kernel density estimates (KDE) of home-range size. A foraging ethogram was developed, and sequential analysis performed on thirty videos (141 total minutes) of in-situ foraging behavior. Seventeen total haplotypes were identified in this aggregation, the majority (75%) of which represented rookeries on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Other sources, from most to least important, include Barbados, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004339
Subject Headings
Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Hawksbill turtle -- Ecology, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife management
Format
Document (PDF)
comparison of the ontogeny of energy consumption in leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea and olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtle hatchlings
Title
A comparison of the ontogeny of energy consumption in leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea and olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtle hatchlings.
Creator
Jones, T. Todd, Florida Atlantic University, Lutz, Peter L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Changes in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first...
Show moreChanges in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first post-hatching month (0.0065 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0031 ml O2 min-1 g-1), while for ridleys the fall was 32% (0.0038 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0026 ml O2 min-1 g-1). Greater differences were seen in aerobic scope. For olive ridleys the factorial aerobic scope doubled over the first month but there was no significant increase in the leatherback's factorial aerobic scope. Leatherback hatchlings gained on average 33% body mass (10 g) over the first week however 70 to 80% of this increase was due to water accumulation. The differences in aerobic scope and energy reserves are related to differences in early life ecological stratagems of these species.
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Date Issued
2004
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13139
Subject Headings
Sea turtles--Ecology, Animal behavior, Ontogeny, Developmental biology, Adaptation (Physiology), Ecophysiology
Format
Document (PDF)
Beach dynamics, beachfront development, and climate change: Interactions that impact sea turtle nesting beaches
Title
Beach dynamics, beachfront development, and climate change: Interactions that impact sea turtle nesting beaches.
Creator
Bladow, Rachel A., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Climate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher...
Show moreClimate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher rates of mortality compared to green turtles at temperatures above 34°C. Only loggerhead nests were exposed to inundation, but embryonic mortality did not differ from noninundated nests. Beach profiles across the nesting season were also determined. A major storm altered the beach more in areas of coastal development; however, this was impacted by a nourishment project and the presence of a structured inlet. Future management strategies may need to protect sea turtle nests from extended periods at elevated temperatures.
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Date Issued
2017
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005926
Subject Headings
Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Sea turtles--Ecology., Loggerhead turtle--Florida., Sea turtles--Nests., Climate change
Format
Document (PDF)