Fecundity and Reproductive Output in Nine Species of Cancer crabs (Crustacea, Brachyura, Cancridae)

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anson H. Hines
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
The North ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Maximum Body ◽  
The North Pacific ◽  
Female Weight

The major variables of reproductive output and fecundity were compared among brooding females of nine species of Cancer from the North Pacific and North Atlantic: C. oregonensis, C. gracilis, C. irroratus, C. antennarius, C. productus, C. borealis, C. anthonyi, C. magister, and C. pagurus. Female body size is the principal determinant of reproductive output, with dry body weights spanning two orders of magnitude from 1.2 to 199.5 g among species and often one order of magnitude within species. Mean dry brood weights ranged from 0.21 to 26.7 g among species, with relative brood size varying from 11 to 19% of female weight. The brood mass is partitioned into eggs ranging among species from 311 to 442 μm, resulting in mean fecundities ranging among species from 18 200 to 2 208 000 eggs per brood. Most species produce one or two broods per year over the winter–spring season over a reproductive span averaging 6.6 yr (range 4–10 yr). Cumulative reproductive output and cumulative fecundity over the maximum estimated life span exhibited approximately isometric functions of maximum body size, and they ranged among species from 1.88 to 316 g brood weight and 158 000 to 22 300 000 eggs per lifetime, respectively. The pattern of covariation of reproductive traits in the Cancridae corresponds well with the overall pattern previously determined for a diverse array of brachyurans from seven families.

Reproductive aspects of the shrimp Cuapetes americanus (Kingsley, 1878) (Caridea, Palaemonidae) from Bocas del Toro, Panama

Crustaceana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (7-10) ◽  
pp. 1061-1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Negri ◽  
Tatiana Magalhães ◽  
Natália Rossi ◽  
Darryl L. Felder ◽  
Fernando L. Mantelatto
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
The Body ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Bocas Del Toro ◽  
Female Body Size

The shrimpCuapetes americanusis widely distributed in shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting sandy and rocky bottoms, macroalgae, seagrass beds, and mangrove roots. As the life cycle and ecology of this species remain poorly known, we investigated some reproductive traits of this species at Bocas del Toro, Panama. We collected and examined 167 individuals (63 males, 58 non-ovigerous females and 46 ovigerous females). Although males numerically dominated the larger size classes, ovigerous females were significantly larger than males and non-ovigerous females. All 46 ovigerous females were used to calculate embryo loss and embryo volume increase. Only females with eggs at an initial developmental stage () were used to estimate fecundity and reproductive output. A mean of 75.84 ± 40.16 embryos () occurred per female, a value near those reported for other species of Pontoniinae. A positive correlation between fecundity and female body size was observed, but it lacked significance. Likewise, a significant correlation between female body size and embryo volume was not detected. Embryo volume increased 35%, and females lost 26% of embryos on average during the incubation period, though significant changes were measurable only during early embryonic development. Mean reproductive output in the analysed reproductive event (0.22 ± 0.11, ) suggested a rate of energy investment in reproduction higher than average, as compared to females of most other decapods. A decrease in relative reproductive output was observed with the increase of female size, indicating that larger females were investing proportionally less energy in reproduction than smaller ones, when measured in relation to the body size, but this correlation also lacked significance. We review how these initial insights on reproduction ofC. americanusat Bocas del Toro compare to those of other populations in various localities.

scholarly journals The reproductive performance of the Red-Algae shrimp Leander paulensis (Ortmann, 1897) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) and the effect of post-spawning female weight gain on weight-dependent parameters

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uwe Zimmermann ◽  
Fabrício Lopes Carvalho ◽  
Fernando L. Mantelatto
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Egg Volume ◽  
Average Fecundity ◽  
Female Weight

AbstractDecapod species have evolved with a variety of reproductive strategies. In this study reproductive features of the palaemonid shrimp Leander paulensiswere investigated. Individuals were collected in the coastal region of Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. In all, 46 ovigerous females were examined in terms of the following reproductive traits: fecundity, reproductive output, brood loss and egg volume. Leander paulensis produces a large number of small eggs with an average fecundity of 635 ± 246 eggs. Egg volume increased significantly from early (0.034 ± 0.008 mm3) to late development stage (0.05 ± 0.012 mm3). The reproductive output did not correlate with female size. The weight of females bearing stage 2 eggs was significantly higher than that of females carrying stage 1 eggs. We assume that the reason for this weight gain is the recovery of female reserves that have been depleted for egg production. Moreover, we emphasize that this weight gain must be considered when evaluating weight-dependent variables such as reproductive output or brood loss in relation to female weight. Otherwise, an overestimation of these variables might lead to inaccurate results.

Female reproductive characteristics of the Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis taurica) in the northwestern periphery of its range

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Ljubisavljević ◽  
Georg Džukić ◽  
Miloš Kalezić
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Species Range ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Female Reproductive Traits ◽  
Gravid Females

AbstractWe present data on the female reproductive traits of the Balkan wall lizard in the Deliblato Sand, a large continental sandland in the Pannonian area in the northwestern periphery of the species range. The clutch and egg characteristics of the population were investigated on the basis of clutches laid in laboratory conditions by gravid females captured in one locality. Balkan wall lizards produced at least two clutches in a breeding season. Individual females laid clutches of commonly two (range 1–4) eggs. The female body size had no effect on clutch and egg size. There was no trade-off between egg size and clutch size.

scholarly journals Variation of Reproductive Traits and Female Body Size in the Most Widely-Ranging Terrestrial Reptile: Testing the Effects of Reproductive Mode, Lineage, and Climate

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgeny S. Roitberg ◽  
Valentina N. Kuranova ◽  
Nina A. Bulakhova ◽  
Valentina F. Orlova ◽  
Galina V. Eplanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Mode ◽  
Female Body Size

Interpopulational variation in sexual dimorphism, reproductive output, and parasitism of Liophis miliaris (Colubridae) in the Atlantic forest of Brazil

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lígia Pizzatto ◽  
Otavio Marques
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Sexual Size Dimorphism ◽  
The Other ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Northern Atlantic ◽  
Males And Females

AbstractSexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, reproductive output, and parasitism of the colubrid snake Liophis miliaris were compared among populations inhabiting four regions of Brazil: (1) northern coastal Atlantic forest, (2) southern coastal Atlantic forest, (3) northern inland Atlantic forest (4) southern inland Atlantic forest. Females delayed maturity and attained larger body sizes than males in all regions. Males and females from northern Atlantic forest were smaller and attained maturity with a smaller body size than males of other regions. The sexual size dimorphism index ranged from 0.19 to 0.23 and was lowest in the northern Atlantic forest. There was no sexual dimorphism in head length in any of the populations studied. Clutch size was similar in all populations and increased with maternal body size. The reproductive frequency was lower in the northern coastal Atlantic forest and in contrast to the other regions, tended to increase with female body size. The nematoda Ophidiascaris sp. and cystacanths of Oligacanthorynchus spira (Acanthocephala) occurred equally in both sexes. Fewer snakes from the northern coastal Atlantic forest were infested by parasites compared to the other regions and parasitism apparently did not influence reproduction.

scholarly journals Variations in the reproductive strategies of three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus in China

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5705
Author(s):  
Tao Liang ◽  
Lu Zhou ◽  
Wenfeng He ◽  
Lirong Xiao ◽  
Lei Shi
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Reproductive Strategies ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Morphological Constraint

Background Egg size and clutch size are key life history traits. During the breeding period, it is possible for females to increase their reproductive output either by increasing the number of eggs if the optimal egg size (OES) is maintained, or by increasing the allocation of energy to each egg. However, the strategies adopted are often influenced by animals’ morphology and environment. Methods Here, we examined variation in female morphological and reproductive traits, tested for trade-offs between egg size and clutch size, and evaluated the relationship between egg size and female morphology in three populations of Phrynocephalus helioscopus. Results Female body size, egg size, and clutch size were larger in the Yi Ning (YN) and Fu Yun (FY) populations than in the Bei Tun (BT) population (the FY and YN populations laid more, and rounder eggs). Egg size was independent of female body size in two populations (BT and FY), even though both populations had an egg-size/clutch size trade-off. In the YN population, egg size and clutch size were independent, but egg size was correlated with female body size, consistent with the hypothesis of morphological constraint. Conclusions Our study found geographical variation in body size and reproductive strategies of P. helioscopus. Egg size was correlated with morphology in the larger-bodied females of the YN population, but not in the smaller-bodied females of the BT population, illustrating that constraints on female body size and egg size are not consistent between populations.

A Modest Proposal for the Removal of Floating Rubbish From the North Pacific Central Gyre

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Gerlach
Keyword(s):  
North Pacific ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Plastic Material ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Pyrolysis Oil ◽  
The North ◽  
Modest Proposal ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
The Media ◽  
The North Pacific

Floating plastic debris collects in large rotating ocean currents termed gyres. These regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean have been called the “Great Garbage Patches” and received a great deal of sensational reporting in the media. The patches consist of small fragments of debris suspended in the first few meters of water. There have been several proposals and research projects on methods to catch the debris in nets or otherwise remove it from the water. The plastic must then be disposed of. This paper proposes that the captured plastic material can be incinerated on board the vessel to produce heat for driving a Rankine cycle or producing pyrolysis oil for use in a diesel engine. The resulting power could then be used propel the vessel and the waste heat to dry the incoming plastics. The energy budget of the process is analyzed showing that the energy consumed and the plastic fuel value gathered are of the same order of magnitude.

scholarly journals DO LATITUDE, ELEVATION, TEMPERATURE, AND PRECIPITATION INFLUENCE BODY AND CLUTCH SIZES OF FEMALE COMMON FIVE-LINED SKINKS, PLESTIODON FASCIATUS (LINNAEUS, 1758)?

2020 ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
Jake S. Morrissey ◽  
Brandon Barr ◽  
Andrew E. Austin ◽  
Lauren R. Babcock ◽  
Robert Powell
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
The North ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Plestiodon Fasciatus ◽  
Positive Effect

Common Five-lined Skinks (Plestiodon fasciatus) have an extensive distribution that includes much of eastern North America. We examined 490 female specimens (274 with putative clutch sizes) from throughout the range to see if latitude, elevation, mean annual temperature, and/or mean annual precipitation affected body or clutch sizes. We predicted that larger females would produce larger clutches, latitude and elevation would negatively affect both body and clutch sizes, and that temperature and precipitation would exert a positive effect. Our results did not consistently support those predictions. Body size was positively associated with latitude, negatively associated with temperature, and not associated with elevation or precipitation. Clutch size was not related to female body size, but in most instances was positively associated with temperature and precipitation but negatively associated with elevation and latitude. Effectively K-selected in the North and r-selected in the South, body and clutch sizes in this species appear to be responding to different select.

Breeding traits of Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni in two western populations

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Cheylan ◽  
Jean Pierre Nougarède ◽  
Aurelio Marín ◽  
Albert Bertolero
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Female Body ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Ebro Delta ◽  
Female Size ◽  
Female Body Size ◽  
Testudo Hermanni ◽  
Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

AbstractOver a period of two years we used radiology to investigate breeding traits in females of two western populations of the threatened Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. The main purpose of the study was to see if reproductive traits – clutch size, clutch frequency, annual egg production and egg width – varied between populations in Corsica (France) and the Ebro Delta (Spain), and if these traits were affected by female body size and amounts of spring rainfall. All the breeding traits analysed were greater in the Corsican population than in the Ebro Delta population. These differences were also significant when we used female body size as a covariable. In both populations the amount of spring rainfall affected breeding traits but not clutch size. Nevertheless, only in the Corsican population did clutch frequency, annual egg production and egg width increase significantly in the year with a wet spring. Contrary to the predictions of Optimal Propagule Size theory, we found that egg size and clutch size increased with female size, and that both variables were independent. On the other hand, clutch frequency was not related to female body size. Thus, in the Hermann's tortoise, as clutch size did not change between years and clutch frequency was independent of female size, all females are able to increase their reproductive output in years with favourable conditions by increasing their clutch frequency. Nevertheless, other factors besides female size and rainfall may influence in a highly complex way variability in breeding traits among populations.

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