Table 2 Morphological features that characterize the eggshells of some alligatorids.

From: Unexpected morphological variability in the eggshells of the South American caimans Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare

 

Eggshell thickness (mm)

Ornamentation thickness/compact layer thickness ratio

Ornamentation morphology

Pore morphology

Pore lateral connections

Pore density (cm2)

Source

C. latirostris

0.66 (0.30)

0.5

Well-developed lateral connections, including large roofs in earlier stages

Amphora

Present

48

This study

C. yacare

0.62 (0.25)

0.6

Multiple bridges, only in early stages

Amphora

Present

53

This study

A. mississippiensis

0.53

?

Low, elongate ridges; sometimes ramified

Straight—amphora?

?

5

Marzola et al.6; Ferguson8

  1. *Values in parenthesis correspond to thickness without considering ornamentation (i.e. compact layer). Note that although C. latirostris and C. yacare share columns and walls in there ornamentations, the development of lateral interconnections is greater C. latirostris.
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