Yolk partitioning in embryos of the lizard, Calotes versicolor: Maximize body size or save energy for later use?

Abstract

The hatchlings of Calotes versicolor and other congeners retain residual yolk for immediate post-hatching needs. Excision of 8% yolk ( residual yolk) from the eggs resulted in smaller hatchlings when compared to those emerging from sham operated eggs. However, hatchlings in both groups retained the same amount of residual yolk. The findings suggest that residual yolk in hatchlings of C. versicolor is an important part of the energy budget set aside by developing embryos and that the advantages of large hatchling size are counter balanced by selection for residual yolk.