Turtle mating systems: Behavior, sperm storage, and genetic paternity

As evidenced by the articles in this volume, a recent increase in interest in the mating systems of poikilothermic vertebrates has focused primarily o n fishes, a few amphibians, and squamate reptiles. Turtles by contrast have received relatively little attention, yet they display a wide variety of m ating behaviors and life-history characteristics that make them excellent c andidates for addressing several aspects of genetic parentage that should c ontribute to a broader understanding of animal reproductive strategies. Her e we focus on genetic studies of the mating systems and reproductive patter ns of turtles, specifically with respect to multiple paternity and long-ter m sperm storage. These phenomena highlight the importance of a temporally e xtended perspective on patterns of individual reproductive success.