Turtles Change Nesting Patterns in Response to Climate Change

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New research shows that turtles are responding to climate change by nesting earlier.

New research shows that turtles are responding to climate change by nesting earlier.

Researchers monitoring nesting green and loggerhead turtles in Cyprus have discovered they are returning to their regular nesting spots earlier each year to compensate for rising temperatures.

In sea turtles, temperature determines the biological sex of offspring, with more females born when it is warmer, as well as fewer successful hatchings when it gets too hot.

Turtles also have “natal philopatry”, which means they return to nest in the area where they themselves hatched.

Read more at University of Exeter

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