Life cycle and ecology of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) (original) (raw)

After the general introduction presented in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 tackles the problem of disjointed and conflicting data, and explores to what extent do loggerhead turtle populations and life stages differ in morphology. In order to take into account the possible geographic and life stage variability, I study two neighboring populations and all postembryonic life stages by comparing the ratio of carapace length, width and height of sea turtles. I conduct a detailed analysis of empirical models (growth curves, conversion formulae). One of the aims is to answer a somewhat technical question whether or not can the growth of loggerhead turtles be considered isomorphic. Considerable deviations from isomorphy would require additional steps when defining through out the life the acquisition (or use) of energy in relation to the surface area-volume ratio. The focus of Chapter 3 is on developing a full life cycle model of loggerhead turtles. Due to substantial variability present in data rela...