Despite fears that recent increases in global temperatures have upset the male-to-female ratio in the marine turtle population, a study published last month in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows turtles rebalance their population by the time they reach adulthood.
A marine turtle's gender is determined by the temperature of its egg during incubation in a breeding phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination. The delicate balance of a population's male-to-female ratio, therefore, is highly dependant on the surrounding environment. Recent global temperature increases have upset this balance, and far more female than male turtles are being born. Biologists worried the lack of males would lead to inbreeding and health problems within turtle populations.
Researchers from the University of Exeter (UK), the University of Lefke (Turkey) and the North Cyprus Society for Protection of Turtles focused on a population of green turtles in northern Cyprus, where high temperatures yield a baby turtle population which is more than 95 percent female.
The researchers found 28 males fathered offspring with 20 females. Scientists tracked the turtles by satellite and found the males migrate through the surrounding waters to mate with different populations. These behaviors greatly reduce the threat of inbreeding and ensure a healthier, more stable population for successive generations. Scientists said further research was required to better understand how the turtle populations balance the genders.
-compiled by George Knaysi
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