Studies on the egg shell (oviducal and oviposited) of Chelonia mydas L.

Abstract

The outer calcified surface of the turtle egg shell consists primarily of crystalline aggregates of calcium carbonate in its aragonite form, together with a small amount (< 5 %) of calcitic material. The latter is first deposited to be followed by aragonite deposition. In the first instance, calcification occurs on the rims of discrete pits formed by the lateral deflection of the ends of soft shell membrane fibres. As crystal deposition continues these pits become filled in and eventually occluded. Micro- and X-ray diffraction analyses of the calcified layer indicate the presence of phosphorus and sulphur. The effects of these elements on the type of crystal deposited, ( i.e., aragonite or calcite) is discussed.