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Investigation of growth phases for bottlenose dolphins using a Bayesian modeling approach
Author(s) -
McFee Wayne E.,
Schwacke John H.,
Stolen Megan K.,
Mullin Keith D.,
Schwacke Lori H.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
marine mammal science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.723
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1748-7692
pISSN - 0824-0469
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2009.00306.x
Subject(s) - gompertz function , bottlenose dolphin , growth rate , growth function , logistic function , biology , bayesian probability , demography , statistics , annual growth % , bay , growth model , mathematics , geography , ecology , botany , geometry , archaeology , mathematical economics , sociology
The Gompertz function is the most commonly used growth function for cetacean studies. However, this function cannot represent multiple phases of growth. In this study, we present a Bayesian framework fitting parameters of a triple‐logistic growth function to describe multiple phases of growth for bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ), simultaneously fitting and comparing all growth parameters between South Carolina (SC), Mississippi Sound (MSS), and Indian River Lagoon (IRL) cohorts. The fitted functions indicated a preliminary early, rapid growth phase, followed by a second phase of slower growth, and then a moderate growth spurt later in life. Growth parameters between geographic cohorts did not show obvious differences, although asymptotic length for SC dolphins was lower than MSS and IRL dolphins and significantly lower between females from SC and the IRL. Growth rate velocities between the sexes showed females exceed males initially (<1 yr), followed by males gaining an advantage around the ages of 3–4 yr until the age of around 15 yr when growth rates for both sexes approached zero (asymptotic length). This study demonstrates age‐related changes in growth rates between bottlenose dolphin sexes and evidence of at least some differences ( i.e. , asymptotic length) across geographic cohorts.