Allometry of reproduction in broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)

Braz J Biol. 2001 Aug;61(3):431-5. doi: 10.1590/s1519-69842001000300012. Epub 2002 Jan 28.

Abstract

In the present study regression equations are established between broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) captive reproductive females snout-vent length (SVL) and body mass (BM) and the following clutch characteristics: egg mass, egg "length" (maximal diameter), egg "width" (minimal diameter), hatchling BM, hatchling SVL, clutch size (number of eggs), clutch mass and relative clutch mass (clutch mass/female BM). Female body-length presented a positive correlation with egg mass, egg length, egg width, hatchling BM and hatchling SVL. No clear correlation was found between female SVL and clutch size. Female BM showed a significantly positive correlation with egg mass, egg-length, egg-width, hatchling BM, hatchling SVL and clutch mass. A highly significant negative correlation was found between female BM and the relative clutch mass. No clear correlation was found between female BM and clutch size.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alligators and Crocodiles / anatomy & histology*
  • Alligators and Crocodiles / physiology
  • Animals
  • Biometry
  • Body Constitution*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Female
  • Litter Size*
  • Male
  • Oviposition / physiology*
  • Ovum*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Reproduction
  • Sex Characteristics