Evidence of multiple paternal contribution in Podocnemis sextuberculata (Testudines: Podocnemididae) detected by microsatellite markers (original) (raw)
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Genetics and Molecular Research, 2016
Genetic studies of multiple paternity are a valuable tool to gain information on the reproductive biology of turtles. We analyzed paternity type in Podocnemis sextuberculata and related number of fathers per nest to nesting period (beginning, middle, or end of nesting season); clutch size (number of eggs); female size; and hatchling success. Females were captured and maximum linear carapace lengths measured during the 60 days that encompass the nesting season at Rio Trombetas Biological Reserve (Pará, Brazil). Nests were marked and blood samples collected from hatchlings. Six heterologous loci were used: five from Podocnemis unifilis and one from Podocnemis expansa. Hatchlings were analyzed from 23 nests, and the rate of multiple paternity was 100%. The mean number of fathers per nest was six (± 0.9), and no significant difference between number of fathers in a nest and nesting period. Similarly there was no significant relationship between number of fathers in a nest and female F.P. Freda et al. ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 15 (1): gmr.15017335 size or hatchling success rate. Number of fathers was, however, positively correlated with clutch size (Spearman correlation rho = 0.47; P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first study to test the relationship between multiple paternity and ecological aspects of the reproductive ecology of turtles in the genus Podocnemis.
Salamandra
When Geoffrey Albert Parker (1970) published a paper titled " Sperm competition and its evolutionary consequences in the insects " , considerable discussion ensued on the mating systems of animals. Monogamous tendencies previously assumed to be common to most species turned out to be limited to only a few species and the concept of multiple mating became evident (Barash & Lip-ton 2007). The tendency to seek out several sexual partners used to be regarded as being exclusive to males, but that this behaviour has been shown also to be commonplace among females in the majority of species (Alcock 2010). While reptiles are good models of this polygamous mating system (Uller & Olsson 2008), little information exists on the reproductive behaviour of this group of animals due to difficulties associated with observing species in their natural environments (Simmons 2005, Wright et al. 2013). Molecular tools have recently been used to facilitate inferences regarding the mating system ...
Genetics and Molecular Research, 2011
The chelonians are, in general, important for the economy of the traditional populations of the Amazon region, especially as a source of animal protein. Furthermore, sub-products, such as eggs and fat, are utilized in the manufacture of cosmetics, and the plastron and carapace are used in the manufacture of adornments. The freshwater turtle species Podocnemis sextuberculata, locally known as "iaçá" or "pitiú", is widely distributed in the Amazon Basin in Brazil and ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 10 (3): 1393-1402 (2011) T.J. Silva et al. also in Colombia and Peru. This species is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in the category of vulnerable species. We examined the genetic variability and population structure of three populations represented by 64 individuals sampled from
Genetics and Molecular Research, 2011
The chelonians are, in general, important for the economy of the traditional populations of the Amazon region, especially as a source of animal protein. Furthermore, sub-products, such as eggs and fat, are utilized in the manufacture of cosmetics, and the plastron and carapace are used in the manufacture of adornments. The freshwater turtle species Podocnemis sextuberculata, locally known as "iaçá" or "pitiú", is widely distributed in the Amazon Basin in Brazil and
Temperature-sex determination in Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemididae)
Iheringia. Série Zoologia, 2011
This study has been carried out at the central region of the Araguaia river on the border between the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso in the Brazilian Amazon Basin from September to December 2000. We recorded temperature fluctuation, clutch-size, incubation period and hatching success rate and hatchlings' sex ratio of five nests of Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812). Despite the relatively small sample size we infer that: a) nests of P. expansa in the central Araguaia river have a lower incubation temperature than nests located further south; however, incubation period is shorter, hatching success rate is lower and clutch-size is larger; b) Podocnemis expansa may present a female-male-female (FMF) pattern of temperature sex-determination (TSD); c) thermosensitive period of sex determination apparently occur at the last third of the incubation period; and, d) future studies should prioritize the relationship between temperature variation (i.e., range and cycle) and embryos dev...
Genetics and Molecular Research, 2010
The genus Podocnemis comprises six living species, including P. erythrocephala (irapuca -red-headed river turtle). Data are available concerning the reproductive biology of the species of the genus Podocnemis, but little is known about their reproductive strategies. Considering the total lack of such data for P. erythrocephala, and with the goal of contributing information on their mode of reproduction, we examined the relationships among individuals of nests of this turtle, using microsatellite markers. Using four microsatellite loci, we analyzed the progeny in six nests from two localities in the Brazilian Amazon (Santa Isabel do rio Negro and Parintins). All juveniles from each nest were analyzed. The genotypes of each juvenile from each nest were identified, and because a sample of female DNA was not available, the maternal genotype was inferred from homozygous individuals in each nest. We found that this species is promiscuous; there was multiple paternity in five of the six nests analyzed. In addition to being important for the understanding of evolutionary and genetic processes, this type of information will be useful for chelonian management projects. Our data suggest one possible ©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 9 (1): 435-440 (2010) C. Fantin et al. difference between reproductive patterns of the different populations. This multi-paternal condition may be a natural reproductive strategy for the preservation of the genetic diversity of this species.
We studied turtle nesting behavior on Pirapucu beach on the Japurá River insidethe focal area of the Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentado Mamirauá (RDSM), State of Amazonas, Brazil, between September and November 1996. We investigated the spatial distribution and density of Podocnemis sextuberculata nests, nest survivorship, incubation duration, and the causes of mortality of embryos, including egg harvesting by local people. An area ofnearly 0.6 km2ofPirapucu beach was protected against harvest of eggs by local inhabitants. We mapped each nest the morning after laying. Nests that produced hatchlings and those destroyed by rising water levels of the river were discriminated through a logistic regression analysis. We located 193 nests (3.47 nests/ha). Females nested in areas that were central, higher, and more distant from the water. In the unprotected area, nearly 100% of eggs were harvested, and only one nest was found intact. In the protected area, rising water levels destroyed 111 nests (56% of total). Day of oviposition and location on the beach differentiated successful and drowned nests (p =0.00059 andp =0.00011, respectively).