To me the "persistence" of behaviors is a critical point. Unfortunately the language regarding persistence is somewhat vague to me but I would take it as meaning at least for the study duration or duration of observation which would suggest indefinitely.

Statement in the first paragraph of the Summary section (page 1):
"Some of the behavioural differences persisted for 24 weeks."

Relative to the following statements regarding persistence the language above is definite and conflictory. Given that, I assume it to be sloppy composition or editing.

Statement in the first paragraph of the Results section (page 2):
"The latter differences persisted throughout the test
period of 24 weeks"

Statemnt in the Discussion section (page 5):
"Taken altogether, the results indicated that incubation
temperature affects the physiology and
behavior of pine snakes. The differences persisted
even though the snakes were maintained at the
same temperature following hatching, and the differences
persisted for at least 24 weeks following
hatching."

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