SEX-RATIOS OF SEA-TURTLES

Estimates of sex ratios of hatchling sea turtles range from approximately 50% female (Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys coriacea in Suriname) to approximately 90% female (Caretta caretta in Florida), Seasonal sex production profiles (SSPPs) show how similar overall sex ratios can be achieved in dissimilar ways. Possible explanations of the data include sampling error, constraints on evolutionary adjustment of pivotals or behavior to local thermal conditions, and violations of assumptions required by classical Fisherian theory. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.