Clutch may predict growth of hatchling Burmese pythons better than food availability or sex.

ABSTRACT: Identifying which environmental and genetic factors affect growth pattern phenotypes can help biologists predict how organisms distribute finite energy resources in response to varying environmental conditions and physiological states. This information may be useful for monitoring and managing populations of cryptic, endangered, and invasive species. Consequently, we assessed the effects of food availability, clutch, and sex on the growth of invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl) from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem in Florida, USA. Though little is known from the wild, Burmese pythons have been physiological model organisms for decades, with most experimental research sourcing individuals from the pet trade. Here, we used 60 hatchlings collected as eggs from the nests of two w

SUBMITTER: Josimovich JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8609237 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature