How does the male Wood Turtle's plastron shape differ structurally from the female's?
Answer
The male’s plastron has a distinct concave or depressed center, while the female’s remains flat or slightly convex
A key diagnostic feature used to differentiate mature male and female Wood Turtles relates to the shape of the plastron, or lower shell. Mature males develop a plastron that is distinctly concave, meaning it curves slightly inward in the center. Conversely, the female’s plastron maintains a flatter surface or may even exhibit a slight convexity (bowing outward). This morphological difference is important for observation by conservationists studying population structure, as these physical traits are reliable indicators distinguishing the sexes aside from size and head proportions.
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