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Chelonian Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 07:51, 25 July 2008
, 07:51, 25 July 2008→Female
* Females in some species can retain sperm in their uterus.
* Females in some species can retain sperm in their uterus.
* Can successfully fertilize two or more clutches, often several years after copulation.
* Can successfully fertilize two or more clutches, often several years after copulation.
=== The Egg ===
All chelonians are oviparous.
==== Temperate Species ====
* Lay eggs with soft, flexible, leathery shells.
* Can absorb and lose moisture.
* Develop more rapidly.
** Incubation ~2 months.
==== Tropical Species and Land Tortoises ====
* Lay eggs with a hard, brittle shell.
* Prevents eater loss.
* Develop less rapidly.
** Incubation ~8-9 months.
* Egg hatching depends on climate conditions such as spring warmth and seasonal rains.
== Copulation ==
== Copulation ==