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Body size and age in three populations of the northern banded newt Ommatotriton ophryticus (Berthold, 1846) from Turkey.

Authors :
GÜMÜŞ ÖZCAN, Çiçek
ÜZÜM, Nazan
Source :
Turkish Journal of Zoology. 2015, Vol. 39 Issue 4, p672-679. 8p.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

We measured body size (snout-vent length, SVL) for three populations of Ommatotriton ophryticus newts in Turkey and estimated age using the skeletochronological method. Age was determined by counting the lines of arrested growth in cross-sections taken from phalanges. SVL was similar among populations and ranged between 58.41 and 85.78 mm in males and 50.33 and 71.56 mm in females. Males were significantly larger than females in all populations. Age at maturity was 4-6 years in males and 5-6 years in females. The average age of males and females did not differ significantly. Maximum age ranged from 9 to 12 years in males and from 9 to 11 years in females. Positive correlation was found between SVL and age for both sexes in all populations. A significant difference was observed among populations in terms of both age and body size (6-, 7-, and 8-year-old age classes). The demographic traits of the studied populations are the result of the interaction of multiple factors, including altitude, geographical location, and ecological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13000179
Volume :
39
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Turkish Journal of Zoology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
103652862
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3906/zoo-1406-35