Evolutionary handicap for turtles
Article Abstract:
Genetic substructuring due to female natal homing behavior and low male- mediated gene flow between nesting sites is responsible for an evolutionary handicap in the endangered sea turtle, Caretta caretta. This evolutionary constraint results in an inability to react to abrupt changes in their habitat. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA of sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean Sea show genetic separation between coastal areas, and between colonies from adjacent nesting sites. The preservation of the individual nesting sites is necessary for the Caretta population preservation.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Luminescence dating of rock art and past environments using mud-wasp nests in northern Australia
Article Abstract:
Optical luminescence dating of pollen grains in the nests of mud-wasps in Northern Australia has been used to estimate the minimum age of aboriginal cave paintings. The ants scoop quartz-containing river muds and build nests on the rocks, some of which bear paintings. Some of the paintings in Australia's Kimberley region have been estimated to be at least 17,000 years old using the technique. It is expected that analysis of other paintings will show them to be considerably older. Optical dating measures the time since the quartz was last exposed to sunlight.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Turtles as diapsid reptiles
Article Abstract:
The resemblence of turtles with the diapsid reptiles questions their inclusion in the group of anapsids. The turtles, also known as testudines, have various developmental features of skeleton formation which they share with the diapsids or the lepidosauriforms. The pattern of early ossification of the postorbital bones of the skull is similar in the testudines and the other diapsid. A true radiale in the carpus, commonly found in anapsids, is absent in the testudines. Both the turtles and the lepidosaurs develop a single proximal tarsal cartilage.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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