Meeting Abstract
P1.22 Thursday, Jan. 3 Effects of habitat quality on maternal investment in two Georgia populations of Gopherus polyphemus. ENTZ, Jackie/W*; MARELY, Phillip/H; CALLAWAY, John/B; ROSTAL, David/C; Georgia Southern University; Georgia Southern University; Georgia Southern University; Georgia Southern University jentz1211@yahoo.com
Energy can be used for one of three things: growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Morphology and environmental factors affect the allocation of energy into reproduction. Clutch size, egg size, and number of clutches per season vary to change total reproductive output. No parental care after egg deposition is given, so the eggs represent the total maternal investment. Food for Gopherus polyphemus hinges the diversity of herbaceous ground cover that is sustaned by frequent fire. Two populations were studied whose habitat varies with burn regimes. Fort Stewart Army Reservation (FSAR) is frequently burned and has lots of herbaceous ground cover; in contrast George L. Smith State Park (GLS) is an infrequently burned habitat with little herbaceous ground cover. FSAR females are significantly larger and produce significantly larger eggs and hatchlings than GLS females. The objective of this study is to examine the difference in maternal investment between sites and its effects on hatchling growth and survivorship. Eight nests were located at each site and temperature dataloggers were set to measure incubation conditions between sites. Eggs were allowed to incubate in situ for the majority of development (post-temperature sensitive period), eggs were retrieved and incubation was completed in the lab. Eggs and hatchling size were measured; post-hatching, they were individually housed in laboratory conditions. Growth was monitored weekly. Growth rates were compared between sites and compared with female characterisitcs and habitat quality. By comparing females� reproductive parameters, habitat quality, and hatchling growth rates we can asses the affect of maternal investment on hatchling survivorship.
