What specific stream bottom substrate do Wood Turtles prefer for successful egg deposition?
Answer
Gravel or sandy substrates.
Successful reproduction for the Wood Turtle is contingent upon the physical characteristics of their nesting environment, specifically the stream bottom substrate. They require stream sections that possess gravel or sandy substrates, as these materials are essential for creating viable nests where eggs can be properly deposited. The presence of unsuitable material, such as streams dominated by bedrock or heavily laden with fine silt, can preclude a population's establishment even if other environmental factors like water quality seem adequate. This specific requirement highlights the fine-scale habitat selectivity of the species.
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