Meeting Abstract

70.8  Monday, Jan. 6 09:45  Do hydric conditions during embryonic development in the field influence phenotypes of neonatal painted turtles? BODENSTEINER, BL; MITCHELL, TS*; STRICKLAND, JT; JANZEN, FJ; Iowa State University; Iowa State University; USFWS; Iowa State University timmitch@iastate.edu

Many reptiles produce eggshells that are permeable to water, and hydric conditions experienced by these embryos can have substantial influence on phenotypes and survival. Most research on the influence of hydric conditions on eggs and phenotypes has occurred in the laboratory, yet little is known about how hydric conditions influence phenotypes in the wild. In this experiment, we manipulated the hydric conditions of painted turtle ( Chrysemys picta) nests in the field over two years. We divided the eggs from natural nests into two artificial nests adjacent to the maternal nest; one nest served as a control and the other nest was watered regularly to mimic a year with heavy precipitation. We assessed the effects of supplemental water on the hydric and thermal environment of nests and observe the consequences of this treatment on embryonic development and offspring phenotypic variation. Results from our experiment accord with prior laboratory research and offer new insights into the influence of water in natural nests. Hatchlings from watered nests were slightly but significantly larger and converted more yolk into tissue than those from control nests. As size is related to survival, this phenotypic variation likely influences fitness. Current climate models predict substantial changes in precipitation patterns which may consequently influence relevant environmental conditions within reptile nests.