Extrinsic Microbial Degradation of the Alligator Eggshell
Abstract
The outer, densely calcified layer of the alligator eggshell shows progressive crystal dissolution, with the production of concentrically stepped erosion craters, as incubation progresses. This dissolution is caused by the acidic metabolic by-products of nest bacteria. Extrinsic degradation serves to gradually increase the porosity and decrease the strength of the eggshell.
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Published In
Science
Volume 214 | Issue 4525
4 December 1981
4 December 1981
Copyright
1981 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Submission history
Received: 17 October 1980
Published in print: 4 December 1981
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- Duplicate Publication, Science, 216, 4552, (1274-1274), (1982)./doi/10.1126/science.216.4552.1274-d
- Duplicate Publication, Science, 216, 4552, (1274-1274), (1982)./doi/10.1126/science.216.4552.1274.d
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