The annual cycle of the testis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island

The testis of the Southern elephant seal demonstrates seasonal changes in weight, with highest values early in the breeding season (September‐November) and lowest values in mid‐winter (May‐June). Weight changes originate in the seminiferous tubules, there being little variation in the interstitial t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Zoology
Main Author: Griffiths, D. J.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 1984
Subjects:
Animal Science and Zoology
Ecology
Evolution
Behavior and Systematics
1103 Animal Science and Zoology
1105 Ecology
Elephant Seal
Macquarie Island
Mirounga leonina
Southern Elephant Seal
Online Access:https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:707480
Description
Summary:The testis of the Southern elephant seal demonstrates seasonal changes in weight, with highest values early in the breeding season (September‐November) and lowest values in mid‐winter (May‐June). Weight changes originate in the seminiferous tubules, there being little variation in the interstitial tissue. Spermatogenesis begins in August, one month before the breeding season, and stops in November. Testicular testosterone concentration is significantly elevated in the months July‐September. Plasma testosterone concentration is high only in September, the first month of breeding. Copyright

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