Do people like having a turtle as a pet? I do. Turtles are not that hard to take care of if people have the right equipment. Many factors come in as the turtles environment changes from their natural environment to being in a human home environment. Turtles are ancient animals that have evolved. “From man’s viewpoint turtles are slow, harmless creatures, and in this characterization they have an important role in mythology and folklore” (Carl H. Ernest and Roger W. Barbour, 1). Many people seem to think that turtles are just another animal that are easy to care for, but that is not always true; a lot of factors come into play when taking care of turtles, and the things people discover while taking care of a turtle is very interesting.
First, here are some basic facts about turtles: turtles are cold-blooded, which means that they cannot raise or lower their body temperature. Their body temperature reflects the temperature of the surrounding air or water. Turtles date back to around two hundred million years ago. Having over forty nine species of turtles, they can live both in water and on land. The top shell, referred to as carapace, of land a turtle are over-grown and makes the ribs wider. Beneath the top shell is the lower shell, referred to as plastron. Both of the shells protect the turtle from other animals and their environment. Thus, turtles have developed long necks and an unusual way of getting air in and out of their lungs. A turtle’s neck forms a tight S-shaped bend, and the curve becomes shallow as the neck extends (Smith and Zim, 18). Also, having modifying their bodies, turtle legs are attached within their ribs. The unique structure of turtles has made them long-lived and unusual specie.
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Barbour, Roger W. and Ernst, Carl H. Turtles of the United States. Lexington: The Universty Press of Kentucky, 1972. Print
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Smith, Hobart M. and Zim, Herbet S. Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Western Publishing Company, 1987. Print.
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department of Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. “Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins.” Animal Planet. Discovery Communication, 2012. Web. 4 March 2012.
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3 Apr. 2014. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. http://eol.org/pages/323582/details>. Evans, Arthur V., Rosser W. Garrison, Neil Schlager, and Michael Hutchins. Grzimeks' Animal Life Encyclopedia.
Hyla versicolor, commonly know as the Gray Tree Frog or the Eastern Gray Tree Frog, is an amphibian that is referred to as the “Chameleon of the Frog world” (Craighead, 2004, p.1) because of its ability to change colors. “This frog was once thought to be the same species as the Cope’s Gray Tree Frog”. They can only be distinguished by their calls and the fact that the Cope Gray Tree Frog is diploid while the Gray Tree Frog is tetraploid (NPWRC, 2004). The Gray Tree Frog is classified as follows:
Mammals of Florida. Miami, Florida: Windward Publishing. 3. Land, Darrell, and Sharon K. Taylor. 1998.
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,
U.S. Department of the interior, National Park Service. (2013). Endangered Species. Retrieved from website: http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/endangeredspecies/index.cfm
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
How many people can say that they have a pet that has been around, in some form or other, for 300 million years? Reptiles are fascinating animals that have been around since the Carboniferous Period, 300 million years ago. Many different species of reptiles have come and gone over the course of time and there are five main groups. Turtles and tortoises are distinguished by the presence of their carapace, or shells, which is also their main defense against predators. Lizards are the most diverse and varied among the reptiles with many different types from chameleons, to iguanas, to geckos, to monitor lizards which includes the largest of all lizards; the Komodo dragon. Tuataras are the most ancient of reptiles and can be found exclusively on the island of New Zealand. Snakes are distinguished by the presence of no limbs, stretchy jaws to swallow large food items, and a mainly carnivorous diet. Crocodiles and alligators have evolved from the group of creatures that gave rise to the dinosaurs and have rough scaly skin, huge jaws and have been known to spend much of their time near water. People fear reptiles because some are dangerous to them including venomous reptiles. However, most reptiles are actually harmless and only a few are undoubtedly dangerous. Still other people are fascinated by reptiles and are interested in learning more about why these animals behave the way they do. This is why many of them actually keep reptiles as pets so they can see how their actions affect how they survive in their habitat. People who keep reptiles as pets can educate themselves by: learning all of the traits and behaviors, and preserve certain species of reptiles if it is critically endangered, and educating other people by letting them see th...
Pickrell, John. “Ichthyosaur’s Turtle Supper Causes Extinction Debate”. National Geographic News.com 5 August 2003. 22 March 2004.
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)
On average, Loggerhead Sea Turtles have a life span of more than 50 years and weigh 250 pounds. (CITE?) Loggerheads are known for their large heads, strong jaws and a heart-shaped reddish-brown
What does one think of when the word “turtle” is mentioned? This adorable creature is usually thought of as slow, futile, and the unsung hero of “The Tortoise and Hare.” However, Kay Ryan argues in her poem “Turtle” that turtles are more than just these things: they are strong but unfortunate creatures that must put up with many obstacles in order to survive. Despite the struggles that she faces, the turtle exhibits a multitude of different strengths to overcome them, as seen as the poem progresses.
Works Cited Bates, D. (1957, December 17). Letter from Roy Wilkins. Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America. Beals, M. P. (1994). The Species of the World.
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Tyning, T. F. (1990). A guide to amphibians and reptiles. New York, NY: LB, Little,