Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Very little is known regarding the relationships between, body size, basking behavior, parasite load, growth rates, and social status in turtles. For example, parasite load is generally thought to affect overall health and condition of individuals. However in ectotherms, such as turtles, parasite load may have more long-term effects on growth rates and overall health conditions since they exhibit indeterminate growth. While studies are beginning to focus on the effects of parasites on growth rates of animals such as birds and lizards, there has not been any focus on turtles. My objective was to investigate the interrelationships between these variables in midland painted turtles ( Chrysemys picta marginata ). Contrary to what may be expected, no relationships were detected between amount of time spent basking and internal parasite load. I did, however, find a significant negative correlation between time spent basking and external parasite load in females. I also detected a negative correlation between growth rate and internal parasite load in female turtles. In addition, a negative correlation between body size and growth rate in males and females was found. Painted turtles are a commonly studied species, yet little is known about their social system and the effects of parasite load in nature. Additionally, studies that combine parasite analysis, growth rates, and basking behavior of turtles are scarce in the literature. This research has formed a good foundation for investigating the relationships between variables that are important to the survival and fecundity of individual C. picta .
Recommended Citation
Panek, Jennifer M., "The Relationship Between Basking Behavior, Parasite Load, And Growth Rates In Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys Picta Marginata )" (2006). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1098.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1098