Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Milton, Sarah L.

Abstract

Florida’s sea turtle populations are increasing due to conservation efforts; however, sea turtle species are vulnerable to climate change. Turtles exhibit temperaturedependent sex determination, in which nest environment influences sex. Environmental changes may produce altered sex ratios that limit reproduction potential; therefore hatchling sex ratios should be monitored. Hatchlings are not externally sexually dimorphic, making sex identification difficult. This study established baseline plasma hormone concentrations in hatchling and post-hatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Five hormones were assayed and were present in the majority of samples (testosterone: N.D.-10.12, progesterone: N.D.-0.43, estradiol: N.D.-4.78, estriol: N.D.-5.55 and estrone: N.D.-1.67 μg/mL). Plasma hormones did not distinguish hatchling sex because male and female ranges overlapped. Hormone concentrations varied with sex but also with incubation temperature, indicating that climate change could impact hatchling and posthatchling hormone profiles and thus could impact future fitness.

Extent

85 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004626

Format

pdf

Download

Share

COinS