Naslov
Comparative physiological energetics of Mediterranean and North Atlantic loggerhead turtles

Autori
Marn, Nina ; Jusup, Marko ; Catteau, Sidonie ; Kooijman, S.A.L.M. ; Klanjšček, Tin

Izvornik
Journal of Sea Research (1385-1101) 143 (2019); 100-118

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Marine turtles ; Mechanistic modeling ; Somatic maintenance ; Sexual maturity ; Environmental adaptation ; Caretta caretta ; Life-history traits ; Energy budget

Sažetak
Population of loggerhead turtles nesting in the Mediterranean Sea has probably evolved from the North Atlantic (NA) population, but is geographically and genetically distinct. We aggregated previously published and new unpublished data, and took two approaches to comparing these populations: an empirical one based on statistical analyses of morphological data, and a physiological one based on a Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model. We then analyzed causes of faster growth and maturation, but smaller size at puberty and ultimate size of the Mediterranean (MED) loggerhead turtles relative to their NA conspecifics. The empirical analysis shows that MED eggs, hatchlings, and nesting adults are consistently smaller in terms of length and mass. The physiological approach suggests physiological adaptations of the MED population to higher salinity and scarcer food availability. In particular, these adaptations include an increase in somatic maintenance needs, and a decrease in energy investment to reach and maintain sexual maturity. Our study therefore offers a mechanistic underpinning of previously observed but unexplained life-history traits, and showcases an application of DEB theory as a tool for comparative analysis of two distinct populations of the same species.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Matematika, Biologija, Interdisciplinarne prirodne znanosti

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