Structural changes in eggshells of Caiman latirostris

Abstract

Reproductive success of Caiman latirostris may be affected by changes in eggshells during the incubationperiod. Therefore, it is important to understand the structures and the changes of eggshells among incubation. In thisstudy, we present descriptions of estructure -egg size and shape, ornamentation, estructure and thickness of eggshell,eggshell type units, density and size of pores- and the evidences of changes among incubation period. The mostsignificant changes on the estructure eggshell were calcareous layer thinning and increasing pores sizes. These changesoccurred from the second and last third of the incubation period.