Importance of the Cakareous Eggshell to Normal Development in the American Alligator

RM 215-218

Crocotilians and birds lay heavily mineralized eggs as opposed to the leathery eggs of other amniotes. The mineralized layer of experimental American alligator eggs was removed and experimental eggs were incubated alongside control eggs. Results show that experimental hatchlings were smaller and hard larger yolk sacks than hatchlings.