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Limbless turtle embryos move to egg hotspot

25 May 2011

TURTLE embryos without limbs have biologists stumped. The legless embryos are able to move to the warmest parts of their eggs.

The behaviour of Chinese soft-shelled turtle embryos () mimics that of adult reptiles basking in the sun to warm their blood. of the University of Sydney, Australia, observed 800 embryos moving towards a heat source placed outside their eggs, and following the source if it moved ().

Shine says the extra warmth may help them hatch earlier or have positive benefits for their health, but he has…

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