Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Petrochic, S. L. (2009). Feeding ecology of the northern diamondback terrapin, malaclemys terrapin terrapin. Unpublished thesis , Long Island University, Brookville, New York USA.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (27 Mar 2011 16:16:44 UTC) |
| Resource type: Thesis/Dissertation BibTeX citation key: Petrochic2009 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Ernährung = nutrition, Habitat = habitat, Malaclemys, Malaclemys terrapin, Nordamerika = North America, Physiologie = physiology, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Petrochic Publisher: Long Island University (Brookville, New York USA) |
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| Abstract |
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Malaclemys terrapin, the only estuarine turtle in North America, is believed to play an integral role in estuarine ecosystems. However, not much is known about its feeding ecology and its actual effect on community structure. This study measured bite force capability and utilized fecal analysis to examine various aspects of feeding ecology between sexes, among size classes, and over time in one subspecies, M. terrapin terrapin. It was determined that this subspecies, as a whole, is a dietary generalist that possesses relatively high bite forces. Diet and bite force were found to vary significantly among all groups. The relatively strong bite force of M. t. terrapin, and the large number of hard prey items found in samples indicated that terrapins may be able to take advantage of prey items that other organisms within the salt marsh ecosystem cannot consume, thereby making them a potential controller of community structure.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |