How Aestivation Evolved in Turtles: A Macroevolutionary and Morphological Approach

Abstract Aestivation (summer dormancy) is a long-term multiday torpor in response to hot and dry periods. It has been detected many species of terrestrial aquatic turtles; however, several ecological evolutionary aspects chelonian aestivation remain be evaluated understood. We conducted comparative exploration macroevolutionary trends turtle tested the potential correlation shell morphology with duration. compiled dataset status, times, measurements 225 species. reconstructed ancestral states along time-calibrated phylogeny different models on presence/absence trait. also performed phylogenetic analysis explore morphological traits likely associated duration time behavior. found evidence 44% times were longer Chelidae, Pelomedusidae, Geoemydidae, Kinosternidae, shortest Emydidae Testudinidae. behavior derived trait evolved independently pleurodires cryptodires groups. some families, Pelomedusidae Kinosternidae showed considerable increases presence trait, while families such as Podocnemididae, Trionychidae Chelydridae important deductions for same Our results association between turtles contrasting among families. Overall, it was contribution that allow positive significant times.