Observations of Behavioral Development in the Loggerhead Turtle ( Caretta caretta )

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Abstract
The behavioral development of the loggerhead turtle in the egg involves, first, an initial mass-type C-movement, next, appearance of local responses integrated with this pattern, and finally, elaboration of behavioral patterns subsequently adjustive in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The presence of C-movement is significant since it emphasizes the role of mass movement in the development of response. It is concluded that behavioral maturation and integration are not related to embryonic practice or repetition, but are an outcome of physiol. differentiation and specialization of the more general movements in the maturation process. Specific local movements and adaptive coordinations of re- sponse thus are regarded as ontogenetically organized with reference to generalized patterns of behavior which constitute a matrix for subsequent behavior development.

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