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Authors' Contribution ZK planned the experiments, performed the statistical analyses, wrote and directed this project. DŞ collected the data and wrote this manuscript. MÖ collected data. ÜÖ performed the statistical analyses. OA revised the manuscript.

Embryos of many reptile species benefit from altering the timing of their hatching in response to optimal ambient conditions, which is well-known as environmentally cued hatching (ECH; Colbert

The Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis, the most widely distributed endemic turtle in China, is mainly found in rivers, lakes, and ponds between N22. 4-41.4 and E103.1-122.7 . It has the largest population among turtle species in China. As an example of its historical abundance, in a small town in southern China a local fisherman could easily catch more than 50 turtles each day before the 1980s (Xia & Wang, 1985). Local inhabitants call the Chinese softshell turtle 'Jiayu', which means 'fish with a shell', and because of its abundance in aquatic habitats it has been consumed as food for more than 2,000 years. However, its populations have declined rapidly since the 1980s. As of 2000, it has been listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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