Turtle Carapace Anomalies: The Roles of Genetic Diversity and Environment

摘要: Background Phenotypic anomalies are common in wild populations and multiple genetic, biotic abiotic factors might contribute to their formation. Turtles excellent models for the study of developmental instability because easily detected form malformations, additions, or reductions number scutes scales. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we integrated field observations, manipulative experiments, climatic genetic approaches investigate origin carapace scute across Iberian European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. The proportion anomalous individuals varied from 3% 69% local populations, with increasing frequency northern regions. We found no significant effect soil moisture, temperature on occurrence anomalies. However, lower diversity inbreeding were good predictors prevalence among populations. Both decreasing parts distribution may be linked recolonization events Southern Pleistocene refugium. Conclusions/Significance Overall, our results suggest that turtle formation caused, at least part, by factors, although influence environmental affecting stability cannot ruled out. Further studies effects pollutants heritability would useful better understand complex natural