Increasing porosity of the incubating alligator eggshell caused by extrinsic microbial degradation |
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| Authors: | M W J Ferguson |
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| Institution: | (1) Anatomy Department, The Queen's University of Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, BT9 7BL Belfast, (Northern Ireland) |
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| Abstract: | Summary The outer densely calcified layer of the alligator eggshell shows progressive crystal dissolution, with the production of concentrically stepped erosion craters, as incubation progresses. This dissolution is caused by the acidic metabolic byproducts of nest bacteria. Extrinsic degradation serves to gradually increase the porosity and decrease the strength of the eggshell.The work is supported by M.R.C. grant No. G979/386/CB and E.H.S.S.B. grant No. EB 109/74/75. |
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