Abstract

A yearlong hormonal study of immature populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting the Indian River in Central Florida, USA, provided information about the relationship between serum testosterone levels and life history habits. By use of a specific radioimmunoassay, testosterone levels of both species were found to remain constant throughout the year with only a slight increase in the warmer months. Adrenal production of steroids in response to stress does not contribute significantly to overall testosterone levels may be reduced for turtles held in captivity. Testosterone levels indicate that the sex ratios of both species were not significantly different from an expected 1 female : 1 male ratio. Loggerhead and green turtles may begin maturing sexually at a straight line carapace length of 75 cm. Mean testosterone levels of the loggerhead population were greater than those for green turtles in all four seasons, undoubtedly because the loggerheads are older and closer to sexual maturity.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1987

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Ehrhart, Llewellyn M.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Biology

Format

PDF

Pages

71 p.

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0020549

Contributor (Linked data)

Llewellyn M. Ehrhart (Q57982886)

Accessibility Status

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