The Functional Morphology of the Fore-Gut of Three Species of Decapod Crustacea: Cyclograpsus Punctatus Milne-Edwards,Diogenes Brevirostris Stimpson,and Upogebia Africana (Ortmann) |
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| Authors: | N. Schaefer |
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| Affiliation: | Zoology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown * Present address: P. E. Museum, Port Elizabeth. |
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| Abstract: | Growth was calculated for the world’s smallest tor toise species, Homopus signatus signatus, by compar ing body size data gathered in spring 2000, 2001 and 2002. Sexual differences could not be identified, but mean growth was significantly lower in 2000/01 than in 2001/02, possibly due to higher winter rainfall preceding the second period. Variation in growth rates was highest in juveniles. Growth decreased with increasing straight carapace length, resulting in a preliminary estimate of 11 years for females to reach sexual maturity. |
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| Keywords: | Tortoises Homopus Ecology Growth |
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