Effects of substrate water potential and fluctuating temperatures on sex ratios of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta)

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Abstract
Sex ratios of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are influenced by the hydric environment when eggs are exposed to fluctuating temperatures similar to those encountered in natural nests. When temperature varies between 18 and 30 °C over the course of a single day, nearly equal numbers of males and females hatch from eggs held on wet substrates, but, primarily, males emerge from eggs on dry substrates. The influence of the hydric environment on sex ratios of painted turtles developing in natural nests has important ecological implications, and may be a factor influencing both selection of nest sites by gravid females and sex ratios of hatchlings.