Further Studies on Water Absorption by Reptile Eggs

Abstract

During incubation, eggs of Chelydra serpentina absorb water equivalent to about 60% of their original weight; Chrysemys picta about 70%; the Terrapene Carolina about 28%. Approx. 12% is used for tissue purposes. There is a very rapid rise in absorption during the latter days of the incubation period of the snapper and painted turtle, and this is probably connected in some way with the rupture of the shell in these spp. Taken with data previously reported it is impossible to formulate any reasonable evolutionary sequence which would throw light on the evolution of the avian egg as related to water balance.