Body condition and physiological changes in male green turtles during breeding

摘要: Investigations were made into the body condition, energy metabolite and endocrinal changes of male green turtles Chelonia mydas prior to during their vernal breeding period in southern Great Barrier Reef. Prior migration, males exhibited a higher condition index than non-breeding males. However, migratory reproductive period, lost significant condition. Concurrent with these physical changes, showed reduction plasma triglycerides an increased level total protein towards mid- late period. The steroids corticosterone testosterone decreased, respectively, migratory/breeding phase. pattern change physiology allude high-activity fasting phase turtle's life history. These marked physiological events suggest proximate basis for terminating seasonal events, potential phenotypic variation tactics.