Incubation temperature, morphology, and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling hydrodynamics

High nest incubation temperatures can result in numerous physiological and behavioral outcomes in sea turtle hatchlings, including body characteristics for efficient swimming. This project examined the effects of incubation temperature on yolk metabolization, body morphology, buoyancy, swimming kinematics, and blood chemistry to better understand variations in locomotor performance in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings of South Florida. Nest temperatures, body measurements, and blood samples were collected in conjunction with swim-trial force measurements and video recordings. Data suggest hatchlings from nests with higher incubation temperatures tend to be significantly smaller in size, less buoyant, and display lower power stroke frequencies. These variations between hatchling morphology and performance indicate hatchlings from high temperature nests (i.e., >33°C) may exhibit weaker swimming abilities. The results of this study provide a further understanding of the effect of incubation temperatures on hatchling physiology and early survival in their important frenzy period.