Some people would love to live for over 100 years. Why this may not always be possible for humans, it is quite common for the Galapagos giant tortoises. The oldest reported giant tortoise is believed to have been Harriet, who is estimated to have been at least 176 years old when she died in 2006 while on display at the Australia Zoo in Brisbane, Australia. Handpicked by Charles Darwin himself when she was approximately five years old, even he could not have imagined the possibility of her outliving her human caretakers to such a degree (Franklin 45). Her longevity however, is not unique. The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands have repeatedly demonstrated an increased lifespan due to their unique body structure, diet, and lifestyle.
The Galapagos Islands provide a habitat to one of only two known remaining groups of giant tortoises in existence today (Alderton 151). Scientists speculate that smaller tortoises drifted to the Galapagos Islands where they found plentiful vegetation and practically no indigenous predators. Over time they evolved into the humble, lumbering giants that exist today. The phenomenon of gigantism evolution is seen in many island ecosystems where there is no need to hide from predators and no competition for food (Orenstein 108). This lack of predation would not last forever. In the nineteenth century the Galapagos Islands were frequented by sailors and fishermen who coveted the fresh meat available in abundance from the giant tortoises. They were prized for their quantity and ability to be stored for months on end without food or water (Hoagstrom 1623). This adaptability for drought stricken times could be a direct link to their evolution of body structure and greatly enhance their capacity for longer...
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...tective body structure. This adaption possibly occurs due to the slow metabolism, vegetarian diet and evolutionary protection of its own shield, the shell.
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Throughout the animal kingdom, adaptations take place continuously and even the smallest of changes can leave a significant impact. Examples can be seen within any plant or animal. One example would include sea turtles, specifically, the Loggerhead Turtles. These turtles are native to the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea (Deurmit L 2007). They thrive in either temperate or tropical climates and can live in a myriad of biomes (Deurmit L 2007). These biomes include the pelagic, reef, coastal, and brackish water (Deurmit L 2007). Loggerhead turtles are omnivores and can eat anything from insects to aquatic crustaceans, to macro algae (Deurmit L 2007). According to Deurmit (2007) Caretta caretta is classified into Animalia Kingdom, Chordata Phylum, Vertebrata Subphylum, Reptilian Class, Testudines’ Order,
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The efforts taking place through different conservation organizations and the State of Florida are making a mixed impact on the survival of Manatees and Sea Turtles. The decline in manatee population has decreased, but due to low reproduction rates, more needs to be done to avoid extinction. The sea turtle outlook is more species specific. Some species of turtle are seeing stabilization in population, while others are not. The State of Florida has a large array of custom license tags that support the conservation efforts taking place within the State. The proceeds go to benefit the local marine life in Florida. With financial resources, state and local cooperation, and through constant research and observation, we are able to learn more about both of these gentle animals. With human awareness of those living in Florida, these two animals will survive
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Biodiversity is the variation and amount of species across the globe, or within in a specific geographical habitat. There are three different areas of study within biodiversity; ecological diversity, species diversity and, genetic diversity. Science Book Species diversity is the variety of different organisms and relationships within a specific species, this essay will discuss the declining of species diversity among sea turtles and the implications it has on the worldwide seas. I have chosen to research about the topic because, sea turtles are believed to have been alive during the Jurassic period. However, now all seven sea turtle species are critically endangered or vulnerable, due to human activities such as; commercial fishing, bycatch and, climate change. (WWF, OCEANA, ACTIONBIOSCI)
The Galapagos Islands, located about 600 miles west of continental Ecuador, contain a rich history of settlement and exploration and represent a living example of evolution that is still relevant today. For centuries, this chain of volcanic islands has been used uniquely by various cultures based off distinct needs. What has remained the same however is the fact that island isolation has forced many animal and plant species to adapt differently from one another based off their island’s environmental conditions, creating a living model of microevolution over time. Today, these models tend to be the primary resources used by biology professors when teaching their students evolutionary topics.
Introduction Caretta caretta, otherwise known as the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, is an oceanic turtle that exist throughout the globe. They are circumtropical species (LeBlanc et al. 2014) meaning they are distributed throughout temperate and tropical ocean regions, but most abundant species are found in the United States coastal range. Loggerheads largest nesting aggregations in the Atlantic are found along the southeastern United States coastal range where about 80% of all nesting occurs and 90% of all hatchlings are produced (Abecassis et al. 2013).
Fresh Water turtles are small, yet amazing creatures to have and care for in your home. River Cooters, Red Eared Sliders, and Painted turtles are all common pet’s found in America. Though turtles are fun to have around they do require special care just like any other pet would. In most cases they make great pets but turtles aren’t the easiest pets to have so depending on your lifestyle you should think about how much time you’re willing to put into a turtle. They are usually cheap to buy yet the equipment for your turtle can get expensive. Along with cost you must find the time to put into this pet. They need nice set ups to live in as well as attention and proper handling.
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