Abstract
Abstract The propensity for defensive biting in turtles should vary ontogenetically. In species with plastral kinesis, the effectiveness of retraction into the shell as a defensive mechanism increases with body size. Therefore, adults should be less likely to bite and more likely to retract than are juveniles. We tested this hypothesis by measuring biting propensity and retraction propensity from an ontogenetic series of Kinosternon sonoriense (Sonora Mud Turtle), a species with plastral kinesis. As predicted, biting in K. sonoriense was restricted to younger, smaller turtles, whereas capacity for retraction was restricted to older, larger turtles.
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.
