The evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals was associated with the origin of unique integumentary structures. Studies on lizards, chicken, and humans have suggested that the evolution of major structural proteins of the outermost, cornified layers of the epidermis was driven by the diversification of a gene cluster called Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). Turtles have evolved unique d...

BACKGROUND Phenotypic anomalies are common in wild populations and multiple genetic, biotic and abiotic factors might contribute to their formation. Turtles are excellent models for the study of developmental instability because anomalies are easily detected in the form of malformations, additions, or reductions in the number of scutes or scales. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, ...

Ponds are common in many agricultural landscapes and provide aquatic habitat for wildlife. Most studies of semi-aquatic turtle assemblages have been conducted in lotic environments or large lentic habitats (e.g., lakes, reservoirs), but few studies have described pond communities. We used Frame nets and basking traps to sample turtle assemblages within eight ponds located in east-central Kansas...

The Caspian frisian roach (Rutilus frisii kutum), economically a very important fish species in Iran, is propagated in fishponds, reared into the rivers in fingerling size and then harvested from the Caspian Sea in adult stage. We found six monogenean parasites on the Caspian frisian roach including five Dactylogyrus spp. on fingerlings cultured in fishponds and rivers and two Dactylogyrus spp....

The Caspian frisian roach (Rutilus frisii kutum), economically a very important fish species in Iran, is propagated in fishponds, reared into the rivers in fingerling size and then harvested from the Caspian Sea in adult stage. We found six monogenean parasites on the Caspian frisian roach including five Dactylogyrus spp. on fingerlings cultured in fishponds and rivers and two Dactylogyrus spp....

a widely distributed species, occurring not only in the European continent, as suggested by its common name. Its range embraces part of the northern African Maghreb region, much of southern and western Europe, Anatolia and vast parts of eastern Europe and adjacent Asia. It is a genetically deeply structured species, and the Sicilian pond turtle was recognized as a distinct species (E. trinacris...