Climate change affects species and ecosystems around the globe [1]. The impacts of rising temperature are particularly pertinent in species with temperature-dependent sex determination TSD , where the sex of an individual is determined by incubation temperature during embryonic development [2]. In sea turtles, the proportion of female hatchlings increases with the incubation temperature. With average global temperature predicted to increase 2.
Unfortunately, determining the sex ratios of hatchlings at nesting beaches carries both logistical and ethical complications. However, sex ratio data obtained at foraging grounds provides information on the amalgamation of immature and adult turtles hatched from different nesting beaches over many years. Here, for the first time, we use genetic markers and a mixed-stock analysis MSA , combined with sex determination through laparoscopy and endocrinology, to link male and female green turtles foraging in the Great Barrier Reef GBR to the nesting beach from which they hatched.
Combining our results with temperature data show that the northern GBR green turtle rookeries have been producing primarily females for more than two decades and that the complete feminization of this population is possible in the near future.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved. Abstract Climate change affects species and ecosystems around the globe [1]. Publication types Research Support, Non-U. Gov't Research Support, U. Gov't, Non-P.
