Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
Foraging Ecology and Diet Selection of Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Bahamas: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis and Prey Mapping
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Foraging Ecology and Diet Selection of Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Bahamas: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis and Prey Mapping
Do you wish to request the book?
Foraging Ecology and Diet Selection of Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Bahamas: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis and Prey Mapping
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Dissertation
Foraging Ecology and Diet Selection of Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Bahamas: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis and Prey Mapping
2018
Overview
Species’ foraging choices influences their somatic growth rates, age at maturity, and time spent in vulnerable early life stages. Thus, differences in population demographics are often attributed to variability either in diet type, quality or quantity ingested. Knowledge of species diet selection, though currently limited, particularly in marine environments, can enhance our understanding of the roles of species in marine ecosystem and, at a finer scale, elucidate how nutrition and diet influences their growth and productivity. Marine green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are considered to be herbivores, predominantly consuming seagrass and algae. However, recent studies have suggested that they may exhibit omnivory in certain forage areas. Using juvenile green turtles as a case study, I coupled stable isotope analysis with a diet preference index to provide insights into the selection and plasticity of their diet. The study was conducted within two sites (Bonefish Hole and South Bimini) in Bimini, Bahamas in 2016. Habitat surveys were conducted to gather habitat data and determine resource availability. A dichotomy in diet was found between the sites: at Bonefish Hole, turtles exhibited a more generalist omnivorous diet, selecting for sessile filters feeders and green algae, whereas turtles in South Bimini had a more specialist herbivorous diet, primarily consuming seagrasses and selecting for red algae, when available. The foraging dichotomy found in this study by green turtles expands our understanding of the spatial differences in their biology in the Bahamas and provides novel information for turtle foraging in Bimini. Knowledge about differences in intra-specific diet, with a focus on diet selection and potential drivers, can elucidate the factors that influence critical life history traits and ultimately inform species management.
Publisher
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
Subject
ISBN
0438307291, 9780438307292
