Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Toro-Farmer, Gerardo

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

Environmental factors can impact development for oviparous species during incubation. For sea turtles temperature can influence the sex ratio of the hatchlings and can decrease survival. The substrate the eggs are incubated in can differ between nests thus, impacting nests differently. This study examines the impact of sand characteristics, specifically grain size, color, calcium carbonate, change in sand surface temperature, and hydraulic conductivity, on overall nest viability in Sarasota County, Florida. Darker sands, such as those found further to the south, may lead to higher incubation temperatures and faster hatching rates, potentially increasing the proportion of female hatchlings. Laboratory analysis of sand samples revealed minimal variation in calcium carbonate content and reflectance, but significant differences in hourly temperature fluctuations and color. These findings indicate that sand composition, altered by natural processes like hurricanes and potentially beach nourishment projects, can influence nesting behavior, hatchling sex ratios, and nest vulnerability to extreme weather events. Continued annual monitoring is essential to establish trends and inform conservation strategies in response to changing coastal conditions.

Download

Share

COinS