Abstract
Determination of the sex ratio in sea turtle population is one of the most important parameters for
 the conservation and management of the species. We aimed to the test usability of the more than
 one approaches that identify the sex of hatchlings with alternative non-invasive methods.
 Geometric morphometry and molecular sex marker were used to indicate difference between the
 sexes in the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings which sexes were previously determined
 by gonad histology. A total of 60 landmarks were identified from three body parts (carapace,
 plastron and tail) for geometric morphometry. No sex specific difference was found in these three
 body parts. Furthermore, we analyzed a total of 55 different oligonucleotide combinations using
 sex-based pool strategy but found no difference. These two techniques are insufficient for sex
 determination in the green turtle hatchlings. A relatively small number of the primer combinations
 and male hatchlings used to identify sex of C. mydas appears to be a disadvantage. In order to
 obtain clearer results with geometric morphometric and molecular sex markers, it is recommended
 to compare sexes in laboratory conditions with constant temperature.
Highlights
Sex determining mechanisms in reptiles are grouped under two main branches: entirely under genetic control and highly dependent on temperature change during the embryonic development process (Mittwoch, 2000; Warner, 2011)
The same result was found in the canonical variance analysis (CVA), and the sexes were not distinguished in terms of the carapace shape
Comparative classical morphology is used as an alternative method for sex discrimination in sea turtle hatchlings (Michel-Morfin et al, 2001; Sönmez et al, 2016; Delgado et al, 2010)
Summary
Sex determining mechanisms in reptiles are grouped under two main branches: entirely under genetic control (genotypic sex determination, GSD) and highly dependent on temperature change during the embryonic development process (temperature-dependent sex determination, TSD) (Mittwoch, 2000; Warner, 2011). The effect of temperature on embryonic development is more pronounced than other environmental factors (Bull, 1980). For this reason, TSD is the most common environmental sex determination (ESD) in reptiles. Empirical evidence has indicated that TSD is the primary mechanism in the majority (81%) of tested species
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