Asymmetric Plastral Allometry between Sexes in Captive Yellow- Bellied Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta scripta Schoepff 1792)

Authors: Parés-Casanova PM* and Martínez-Silvestre A

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000439

Volume 6, Issue 1

Abstract

This study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the role of asymmetric shape changes related to variation in size in the yellow-bellied slider turtles (Trachemys scripta scripta), imported in Spain as pets. Values were obtained from geometric morphometric analysis of 17 anatomical landmarks on plastron (ventral aspect of the body) from 33 males and 63 females. The allometry was described by a multivariate regression where the independent variable was size, expressed as centroid size, and dependent variables was the set of shape coordinates. The results demonstrated the existence of sex-related differences in plastron asymmetries, but, interestingly, the allometric slopes were not sexually dimorphic. The expression of these allometric trajectories may be the reflection of some functional features, such as feeding or movement.

Keywords: Development; Directional Asymmetry; Growth; Sexual Size Dimorphism; Testudines

View PDF