Line profile analyses of gekkotan eggshells.

Abstract

<p>Vertical yellow bars represent the locations where analyses were conducted. Horizontal red bars on the graph are auxiliary lines that mark the same position in the eggshell. The boundaries of the eggshell are marked by black bars. The units are in weight percent. Outside of eggshell is up. (A1–A2) <i>Gekko gecko</i>. A1 shows the elemental profile of the main eggshell, while A2 represents the result of ornamentation area. Note the correlation between the level of Mg and S (white arrows). A black arrow points a small Ca peak caused by a very thin layer consisting of polygonal structure of the covering layer. (B) <i>Paroedura pictus</i>. Note the correlation between the level of Mg and S (white arrows). (C) <i>Paroedura stumpfii</i>. A drop of Ca level reflects the empty spaces in the porous layer rather than low concentration of Ca in the porous layer (a white arrow). (D) <i>Phelsuma grandis</i>. Note the correlation between the level of Mg and S in the main eggshell (white arrows). The level of P gradually decreases from the inner surface of the columnar layer, but it increases near the outer surface of the eggshell. (E) <i>Correlophus ciliatus</i>. The hatched rectangle marks the crack. The level of Mg, P, and Ca begins to change at the same position (i.e., the boundary between the shell membrane and calcareous layer). (F) <i>Rhacodactylus leachianus</i>. Note the level of Mg and P changes more abruptly at the boundary between the shell membrane and calcareous layer compared to <i>Correlophus ciliatus</i> eggshell. (G) <i>Eublepharis macularius</i>. Note that <i>Eublepharis macularius</i> eggshell has a relatively short calcareous layer.</p