Spatial and temporal variation in nest temperatures forecasts sex ratio skews in a crocodilian with environmental sex determination.

ABSTRACT: Species displaying temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) are especially vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing global climate due to their profound sensitivity to thermal cues during development. Predicting the consequences of climate change for these species, including skewed offspring sex ratios, depends on understanding how climatic factors interface with features of maternal nesting behaviour to shape the developmental environment. Here, we measure thermal profiles in 86 nests at two geographically distinct sites in the northern and southern regions of the American alligator's (Alligator mississippiensis) geographical range, and examine the influence of both climatic factors and maternally driven nest characteristics on nest temperature variation. Changes in dai

SUBMITTER: Bock SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7282913 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature