Options
The influence of temperature on the rate of metabolic activity and time of emergence in Chelonia mydas (Green turtle) hatchlings
Author
Fernando, U. Hearty Reynold
Supervisor
Kwek, Leong Chuan
Abstract
This study follows the work done by Diong et al. (2006) in which a satellite-based data acquisition system acquires data from an in situ Chelonia mydas nest site in Talang-Talang Besar Island, Sarawak. In an earlier work, researchers have acquired data remotely from the nest site and worked off-line via satellite transmission. This satellite-based data acquisition systems offer researchers a method of investigation previously unavailable, i.e., real time collaborative investigation of sea turtle nests. Platinum PT 100 RTD sensors, pre-calibrated to ± 0.1°C were placed at five different positions, viz., the nest bottom, nest middle center, nest middle side, nest top, and sand at 17cm below surface. Air temperatures and humidity were measured by two sensors placed one meter above the nest. Sensors were coupled to a multi-channel data logger with built-in embedded Internet gateway and a global system mobile modem. In the 57-day experiment, the temperatures recorded ranged between 15.6°C to 43.3°C. The value of real time study of nest incubation and the observations of the experimental methodology are discussed. The influence of temperature on the hatchling emergence is studied. Two models have been designed illustrating heat conduction through the eggs as the key factor for turtle emergence. By using a temperature gradient (due to heat movement from the centre of the nest to other parts of the nest) it is established that the turtle hatchlings receive a thermal cue to find the time of emergence. The pattern of asynchronous emergence generally found in sea turtle hatchlings is also verified in this study.
Date Issued
2008
Call Number
QL666.C536 Fer
Date Submitted
2008