Biology ETDs

Publication Date

6-1-1973

Abstract

Two geographically separated populations of the Texas spiny softshell turtle, Trionyx spiniferus emoryi, were collected in New Mexico and their osmoregulation and body fluid compositions were studied. One population inhabits fresh water (0.09% saline) and the other inhabits brackish water (0.79% saline). Turtles were maintained in laboratory water analogous to their field environments and then acclimated to tap water or 0.7% saline. Weight changes and urine flow were measured. Blood and urine samples were obtained from turtles in each aqueous environment and analyzed for sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, urea, and protein. Osmotic pressure of these samples was also measured.

The two populations of softshell turtles do not differ in their weight or urine volume responses to being maintained in tap water or 0.7% saline. However, populational differences were observed for urea, potassium; and osmotic pressure of plasma, and also for potassium, calcium, magnesium, and osmotic pressure of urine. Relative proportions of different plasma solutes change when total concentrations change in response to different environmental salinities.

Blood from both populations of T. spiniferus had seasonal protein fluctuations. Turtles kept at constant laboratory temperature and fed throughout the year had higher plasma protein concentrations in fall than in winter.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

William G. Degenhardt

Second Committee Member

C. Clayton Hoff

Third Committee Member

Gordon V. Johnson

Fourth Committee Member

Marvin L. Riedesel

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS