Journal article
Microclimates and energetics of free-living box turtles, Terrapene carolina, in South Carolina
Physiological and biochemical zoology, v 75(1), pp 57-65
01 Jan 2002
PMID: 11880978
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
We measured microclimate, field metabolic rates (FMRs), water flux, and activity patterns of telemetered box turtles (Terrapene carolina) in South Carolina from September 1987 to October 1988. Turtles were inactive for most of the winter and were active only sporadically during the rest of the year. Using the doubly labeled water method, we found that water flux averaged 8.8, 18.9, and 26.4 mL kg(-1) d(-1) in winter, spring, and summer/fall, respectively. FMR for the same periods averaged 0.028, 0.065, and 0.124 mL CO(2) g(-1) h(-1). Differences in FMR among seasons were significant but not between sexes. Using operative temperatures, we predicted standard and maximum metabolic rates of turtles. In winter, FMR was elevated above standard metabolic rates and close to maximum metabolic rates, whereas in spring and summer/fall, FMR fell midway between standard and maximum metabolic rates. We used a model to predict metabolic rates, geographical distribution, and potential reproductive output of box turtles across latitudes in eastern North America. Low FMR and low annual reproductive output may allow box turtles to survive and flourish in unpredictable resource environments by minimizing costs and risks, thereby maintaining greater lifetime reproductive success.
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Details
- Title
- Microclimates and energetics of free-living box turtles, Terrapene carolina, in South Carolina
- Creators
- David N Penick - Savannah River National LaboratoryJustin CongdonJames R SpotilaJoseph B Williams - The Ohio State University
- Publication Details
- Physiological and biochemical zoology, v 75(1), pp 57-65
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- [Retired Faculty]
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000174362800007
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-0036009418
- Other Identifier
- 991019168326504721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Physiology
- Zoology