Abstract
The eggshell of the red turtle, Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima is composed of an external cuticle, amiddle calcareous layer and the internal membrane. The cuticle is not sculptured as in those of the kinosternidae. The radial view is similar in eggs of Geochelone elephantopus. The cuticle of R pulcherrima shows superficial fractures or crevices whose complementary edges are similar to a jigsaw puzzle. The calcareous layer is formed by structural units composed by groups of needle-like aragonite crystals. In the crocodilian egg, the shell shows calcite deposited in lates instead of aragonite. The calcareous units are interlocked, a situation that is not present in the shell of marine turtle eggs (Lepidochelys olivacea and Chelonia mydas). The inner extremes of the calcareous units are !U rrounded by a palisade of needle-like aragonite erysta!s. This type of stru erure is not o bserved in other reptilian eggshells.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
