Author(s): Katarina Ljubisavljević | Georg Džukić | Tanja D. Vukov | Miloš L. Kalezić
Journal: Acta Herpetologica
ISSN 1827-9635
Volume: 7;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 253;
Date: 2012;
Original page
ABSTRACT
Variation in a number of morphological characters were analysed in five populations of Testudo hermanni from Serbia and Montenegro. Tortoises from Serbia appeared significantly larger than those from Montenegro. An insular population of Montenegro was distinct due to its extremely small body size and mass and dark plastral pigmentation. Although the majority of tortoises had the supracaudal scute divided, many tortoises had the scute undivided. Effects of possible genetic divergence and/or adaptation to different environmental conditions on observed morphological variation were discussed.
Journal: Acta Herpetologica
ISSN 1827-9635
Volume: 7;
Issue: 2;
Start page: 253;
Date: 2012;
Original page
ABSTRACT
Variation in a number of morphological characters were analysed in five populations of Testudo hermanni from Serbia and Montenegro. Tortoises from Serbia appeared significantly larger than those from Montenegro. An insular population of Montenegro was distinct due to its extremely small body size and mass and dark plastral pigmentation. Although the majority of tortoises had the supracaudal scute divided, many tortoises had the scute undivided. Effects of possible genetic divergence and/or adaptation to different environmental conditions on observed morphological variation were discussed.
