A genetic test of the natal homing versus social facilitation models for green turtle migration
Meylan, A.B.; Bowen, B.W.; Avise, J.C. (1990). A genetic test of the natal homing versus social facilitation models for green turtle migration. Science (Wash.) 248(4956): 724-727
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more
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| Keywords |
Acids > Organic compounds > Organic acids > Nucleic acids > DNA
Behaviour > Homing behaviour
Behaviour > Migrations
Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Aquatic reptiles
Genotypes
Migration
Topographic features > Landforms > Coastal landforms > Beaches
Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Meylan, A.B.
- Bowen, B.W.
- Avise, J.C.
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| Abstract |
Female green turtles (Chelonia mydas) exhibit strong nest-site fidelity as adults, but whether the nesting beach is the natal site is not known. Under the natal homing hypothesis, females return to their natal beach to nest, whereas under the social facilitation model, virgin females follow experienced breeders to nesting beaches and after a "favorable" nesting experience, fix on that site for future nestings. Differences shown in mitochondrial DNA genotype frequency among green turtle colonies in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean are consistent with natal homing expectations and indicate that social facilitation to nonnatal sites is rare. |
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