Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Wyneken, Jeanette

Abstract

Sea turtle nests were compared to determine the effects of nest depth on hatchling anaerobic metabolism in Juno Beach, Florida, USA. In situ nests of 3 species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys coriacea) were compared. Relocated loggerhead nests were studied under an experimental regime. Nest temperatures and oxygen concentrations were monitored. On the night of first emergence, blood samples were taken from hatchlings resting at the nest chamber bottom and sand surface, and digging to the sand surface. Samples were analyzed for lactate concentrations. Blood lactate levels were high in hatchlings actively digging and low for those resting. Lactate levels differed among species and nest depths. Within in situ nests, actively digging green turtle hatchlings had the highest lactate, followed by loggerhead hatchlings and leatherbacks (lowest). Loggerhead hatchlings digging from deeper relocated nests had higher lactate than those digging from shallower depths.

Extent

115 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2000.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT15770

Format

pdf

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