Turtle mating systems: behavior, sperm storage, and genetic paternity.
As evidenced by the articles in this volume, a recent increase in interest in the mating systems of poikilothermic vertebrates has focused primarily on fishes, a few amphibians, and squamate reptiles. Turtles by contrast have received relatively little attention, yet they display a wide variety of mating behaviors and life-history characteristics that make them excellent candidates for addressing several aspects of genetic parentage that should contribute to a broader understanding of animal reproductive strategies. Here we focus on genetic studies of the mating systems and reproductive patterns of turtles, specifically with respect to multiple paternity and long-term sperm storage. These phenomena highlight the importance of a temporally extended perspective on patterns of individual reproductive success.
Pearse
D E
DE
University of Georgia, Department of Genetics, Athens 30602, USA. pearse@arches.uga.edu
Avise
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D010057:Oviducts / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D010334:Paternity; D010641:Phenotype; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D012919:Social Behavior; D013094:Spermatozoa; D013997:Time Factors; D014426:Turtles / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*