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Activity and Habitat Selection by Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas. L.) Hatchlings: A Laboratory and Field Study.
- Date Issued:
- 2007
- Summary:
- 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 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.
Title: | Activity and Habitat Selection by Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas. L.) Hatchlings: A Laboratory and Field Study. |
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Name(s): |
Smith, Morgan M. Salmon, Michael, Thesis advisor Florida Atlantic University, Degree Grantor Department of Biological Sciences Charles E. Schmidt College of Science |
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Type of Resource: | text | |
Genre: | Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation | |
Date Created: | 2007 | |
Date Issued: | 2007 | |
Publisher: | Florida Atlantic University | |
Place of Publication: | Boca Raton, Fla. | |
Physical Form: | application/pdf | |
Extent: | 61 p. | |
Language(s): | English | |
Summary: | 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 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. | |
Identifier: | FA00000832 (IID) | |
Degree granted: | Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007. | |
Collection: | FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection | |
Note(s): |
Includes bibliography. Charles E. Schmidt College of Science |
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Subject(s): |
Sea turtles--Ecology--Case studies Wildlife conservation--Case studies Habitat partitioning (Ecology) Adaptation (Biology) |
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Held by: | Florida Atlantic University Libraries | |
Persistent Link to This Record: | http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000832 | |
Sublocation: | Digital Library | |
Use and Reproduction: | Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder. | |
Use and Reproduction: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ | |
Host Institution: | FAU | |
Is Part of Series: | Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections. |