Cycle Of Life: The Alligator Snapping Turtle
Biodiversity is a necessity to sustain life on Earth, each species playing an important role in the various cycles which maintain and sustain life on the planet. Without one species another species who depends on it could go extinct or over-populate without the other to control it, causing a domino effect that disrupts the balance of life as a whole and the overall biodiversity of this planet. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of those various species which helps to promote life and maintain a balance in the cycle of life. It is a fascinating and fierce species which can be located in numerous southern states including but not limited to Georgia, Florida and some Gulf states, and as far North as Illinois, Maryland and Kansas. This creature
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is a part of the Animal Kingdom, specifically a Chordata in the Phylum taxonomic ranking and a vertebrate in the subphylum ranking. These scientific family descriptions are not often used in general conversation; however most in the general population know this creature to be an animal, but more specifically a reptile. (DiLaura, P.; J. Pruitt; D. Munsey; G. Good; B. Meyer and K. Urban 1999) The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the common name for this reptile; however it is also known as the Macrochelys temminckii, but this does not sound nearly as fierce as its common name. Although the alligator snapping turtle can be found in various states, often living in deep murky waters, their population is dwindling. With complete reliance on their water habitats for shelter, protection and food, the human species is steadily depleting their habitat with pollution and over development. Although their unique characteristics have allowed them to evolve, without protection the alligator snapping turtle will eventually cease to exist.
Identification
The alligator snapping turtle emerges only its head from the murky waters, submerging as quickly as it emerged, just long enough for a quick breath and look around. This fascinating and fierce reptile is one of a kind in appearance and stature, unable to be confused with its cousin, the eastern snapping turtle. This prehistoric seeming reptile can easily be identified by its massive armored appearance, with its large, scaly and muscular head, body and tail; a tail which is the same length as its carapace. The large head is a bit disproportionate in size in comparison to its relatives. With a sharp beak-like mouth, eerily yellow eyes on the side of its head and sharp claws, everything about this reptile screams monster. What sets this snapping turtle apart from its relatives however; is the mountainous looking prominent ridges protruding from its carapace. The ridges appear on each outer side of the carapace and one straight down the middle, almost like a Mohawk. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Appearing as if it walked right out of the Mesozoic Era, it camouflages itself well with a dark grey and black carapace and body, and a dark brown head, often covered in algae allowing it to remain hidden from its prey and only predator; humans. This aggressive, monstrous animal gets its name honestly; named after the ever elusive and aggressive alligator. Similar features such as its ridges and coloring lead to its name; the alligator snapping turtle. Although it is aggressive in appearance, seemingly ready to attack at any moment; appearances are deceiving. Not to be mistaken, this reptile will protect itself if provoked; however it prefers to patiently wait for its prey, luring it with its unique worm like tongue which becomes ink in color as it wiggles. They will actively hunt at night; however mainly remain sedentary at the bottom of deep waters.
Cycle of Life Life for all species is dependent upon reproduction; the ability to procreate to maintain its population. Although reproduction is seemingly simplistic, many outside factors play a role in the success or failure of a species to reproduce, which facilitates or impedes on their ability to maintain or increase their populous. All species require natural habitat and resources in order to sustain and create life. All species are a part of a bigger picture, the biodiversity on the Earth allows each species to contribute to other species life cycles; however each following their own, more specific cycle of life for their species. The alligator snapping turtle, like many other reptiles; mate, lay eggs, incubation occurs, baby reptiles hatch growing into juveniles and eventually adults who reproduce and begin the cycle again. Unfortunately outside influences such as habitat loss, pollution and over harvesting (hunting) have altered the success of their life cycles causing decreased reproduction, and even death. Reproduction cannot just happen, species have to become sexually mature before they are able to reproduce; however sexual maturity comes at different ages for different species which can increase or decrease the success to repopulate a species. Inconveniently for the alligator snapping turtle a late sexual maturity; onset between eleven and thirteen years old, has a negative effect on their ability to maintain and repopulate numbers of their species. In relation to human sexuality and maturity this seems average; however with an already small population which is decreasing at a faster pace than reproductive turtles can reproduce, the sexual maturity age for this species is considered late and ultimately defines their ability to maintain and repopulate their species. Once sexual maturity is reached, reproduction, procreation and repopulation can commence. Sexually mature turtles mate in the spring, some in early spring and others in late spring depending on habitat location. When they mate, the male mounts the female, grasping her carapace using all four feet to hold on and initiate insemination. Luckily, unlike the human species and other species in the animal kingdom, they only remain pregnant for two months before laying their eggs. While a majority of their time is spent in the water, the females will leave the comfort of their habitat to lay her eggs on land. She will travel approximately 164 feet from the water’s edge to lay her eggs, using her sharp claws to dig a hole in the ground where the clutch will remain until hatching. She will lay anywhere from eight to as high as sixty eggs. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Time is of the essence and everything in life takes time, especially the development of an unborn animal. Various species birth in distinctive ways and time frames. Humans carry their fetuses for forty weeks (give or take), dogs for three months, and snapping turtles for two months; however unlike dogs and humans, they do not birth live turtles which means more time is needed once her job is done. The fertilized egg will remain in the nest for approximately one hundred to one hundred and forty days to incubate, allowing development of the baby turtle; however not all eggs will be fertilized. Interestingly, as the turtle develops in the egg, the gender is determined by temperature not the parents during fertilization. Females are produced at high incubation temperatures ranging between 84.2 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit while males are produced at lower temperatures ranging between 77 degrees and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A variety of other temperatures can produce either female or male offspring. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) By late Summer, early Fall, approximately one hundred to one hundred and forty days after the clutch was laid, the babies will begin to emerge from their eggs, pushing their way through the dirt and making their way instinctively towards the water. Curiously these babies are born with most of their adult characteristics, providing more protection from birth. When the babies are born, they are on their own, independent and solitary. The parents are not nurturing to their young, providing no protection to their young, making the need for adult characteristics at birth. Although small in size and stature at birth, they will not remain this way. These monsters of the turtle world are regarded as North America’s largest freshwater turtle. Amazingly what previously fit comfortably in a small egg will grow to massive lengths and weight. The male is normally larger in size compared to the female, reaching average sizes of thirty one inches in length and up to two hundred pounds of muscle. The male also has a larger, thicker tail than the female. Although smaller in size than its male counterpart, the female is by no means a small creature; averaging twenty-six inches in length and up to one hundred and fifty pounds. (Mdc.mo.gov, 2014) They do not grow this large overnight, actually just the opposite, taking quite some time to grow to these sizes with an overall slow growth for their species.
Structure and Survivability The alligator snapping turtle, like all other species, needs food and water to survive. The ability to consume food and water is similar in many ways to other animals; however there are also some interesting differences. Organs, bone structure, chemical reactions and a variety of other aspects of its body contribute to the differences and similarities to other species. Some animals have exoskeletons where others have endoskeletons. All animals have organs which suit similar purposes; however they may not function exactly the same and they may have a little something extra compared to another animal. The alligator snapping turtle has an exoskeleton providing a protective barrier for its muscles. Although the exoskeleton protects its muscles and tissues it can also hinder it, weighing it down; making it slower out of water. It has another great protective barrier which comes in the form of a rigid carapace, protecting against potential predator attacks; however humans are the only predators for adults. The carapace is a great protection; however it also hinders it because its ribs are actually attached to the shell which creates an inability for the ribs to move. A double edged sword, protection versus possible health problems due to inability to spew water from its lungs which can lead to upper respiratory problems, leading to death. The omnivorous animal mainly is carnivorous; however is a scavenger and will eat plants as well. With such large jaws, the sharp beak-like mouth, their ability to chew is non-existent. They bite their prey into large chunks, sometimes even swallowing the prey whole. They have certain enzymes in their salivary glands which assist in breaking down the food, allowing them to swallow it. Once the food is swallowed it then passes down the esophagus; however the esophagus has little papillae which line it unlike other animals. These papillae allow the turtle to expel water while holding onto the food in the esophagus. Unlike their esophagus their stomach is smooth which allows them to push their food through easily to the sphincter and then into the three separate sections of the small intestines. (Ukessays.com, 2014) Although similar in purpose each organ has uniqueness to them which enable the animal to survive and thrive. A necessary function of all animals is their ability to take in oxygen.
Oxygen helps to ensure the blood flows to the entire body; however the process or action of taking oxygen into the body is not always the same for every animal which is the case for the alligator snapping turtle. They intake air through their mouth like most animals; however they have a small opening in their tongue that is only open during respiration called the glottis. This small hole allows the turtle to intake oxygen as it needs and prevent oxygen or anything else from entering into their lungs when they are not taking a breath. This ability to close off the glottis allows the turtle to stay submerged for longer periods of time as well as catch and eat prey without flooding their lungs. Their lungs are multi-chambered, which is a unique characteristic which also allows it to stay submerged for almost an hour. Most animals intake oxygen and it stores in the blood; however the alligator turtle also stores oxygen in its muscles. Similarities and differences in physical and biological aspects of animal make up allows for each individual species to survive and sustain life; however unique characteristics are no longer enough and if they are not protected they will soon become …show more content…
extinct. The Macrochelys Temminckii known as the Alligator Snapping Turtle to the average person is a large pre-historic looking creature.
It is the largest fresh water turtle in North America, out growing and outweighing its cousin the common snapping turtle. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Although aggressive in appearance, they are more docile than they appear, only aggressive when provoked. They stay rather sedentary throughout the day luring their prey by their worm like tongue and actively hunt at night. (Mdc.mo.gov, 2014) Their armored appearance assists with camouflage along with their black and gray coloring. They are fascinating creatures with long life spans, unique characteristics such as their worm like tongue, the ability to expel air quickly, and their ability to remain under water for long periods of time while controlling their PH balance to decrease carbon dioxide. (Ukessays.com, 2014) Unfortunately due to hunting, habitat depletion and slow reproduction rates the Alligator Snapping Turtle is not as abundant as it once was. Over time the Alligator Snapping Turtle has adapted to its surroundings, using its unique characteristics to survive; however those adaptions soon will no longer be enough to sustain the
population.
Reference Page
Encyclopedia of Life, (2014). Descriptions and articles about the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) - Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 7 October 2014, from http://eol.org/pages/791511/details
Essays, UK. (November 2013). Seven Essential Functions And Comparisons Of Snapping Turtles Biology Essay. Retrieved from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/seven-essential-functions-and-comparisons-of-snapping-turtles-biology-essay.php?cref=1
Mdc.mo.gov,. (2014). Alligator Snapping Turtle | Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved 7 October 2014, from http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/alligator-snapping-turtle DiLaura, P.; J. Pruitt; D. Munsey; G. Good; B. Meyer and K. Urban 1999. "Macrochelys temminckii" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 10, 2014 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Macrochelys_temminckii/
is a part of the Animal Kingdom, specifically a Chordata in the Phylum taxonomic ranking and a vertebrate in the subphylum ranking. These scientific family descriptions are not often used in general conversation; however most in the general population know this creature to be an animal, but more specifically a reptile. (DiLaura, P.; J. Pruitt; D. Munsey; G. Good; B. Meyer and K. Urban 1999) The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the common name for this reptile; however it is also known as the Macrochelys temminckii, but this does not sound nearly as fierce as its common name. Although the alligator snapping turtle can be found in various states, often living in deep murky waters, their population is dwindling. With complete reliance on their water habitats for shelter, protection and food, the human species is steadily depleting their habitat with pollution and over development. Although their unique characteristics have allowed them to evolve, without protection the alligator snapping turtle will eventually cease to exist.
Identification
The alligator snapping turtle emerges only its head from the murky waters, submerging as quickly as it emerged, just long enough for a quick breath and look around. This fascinating and fierce reptile is one of a kind in appearance and stature, unable to be confused with its cousin, the eastern snapping turtle. This prehistoric seeming reptile can easily be identified by its massive armored appearance, with its large, scaly and muscular head, body and tail; a tail which is the same length as its carapace. The large head is a bit disproportionate in size in comparison to its relatives. With a sharp beak-like mouth, eerily yellow eyes on the side of its head and sharp claws, everything about this reptile screams monster. What sets this snapping turtle apart from its relatives however; is the mountainous looking prominent ridges protruding from its carapace. The ridges appear on each outer side of the carapace and one straight down the middle, almost like a Mohawk. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Appearing as if it walked right out of the Mesozoic Era, it camouflages itself well with a dark grey and black carapace and body, and a dark brown head, often covered in algae allowing it to remain hidden from its prey and only predator; humans. This aggressive, monstrous animal gets its name honestly; named after the ever elusive and aggressive alligator. Similar features such as its ridges and coloring lead to its name; the alligator snapping turtle. Although it is aggressive in appearance, seemingly ready to attack at any moment; appearances are deceiving. Not to be mistaken, this reptile will protect itself if provoked; however it prefers to patiently wait for its prey, luring it with its unique worm like tongue which becomes ink in color as it wiggles. They will actively hunt at night; however mainly remain sedentary at the bottom of deep waters.
Cycle of Life Life for all species is dependent upon reproduction; the ability to procreate to maintain its population. Although reproduction is seemingly simplistic, many outside factors play a role in the success or failure of a species to reproduce, which facilitates or impedes on their ability to maintain or increase their populous. All species require natural habitat and resources in order to sustain and create life. All species are a part of a bigger picture, the biodiversity on the Earth allows each species to contribute to other species life cycles; however each following their own, more specific cycle of life for their species. The alligator snapping turtle, like many other reptiles; mate, lay eggs, incubation occurs, baby reptiles hatch growing into juveniles and eventually adults who reproduce and begin the cycle again. Unfortunately outside influences such as habitat loss, pollution and over harvesting (hunting) have altered the success of their life cycles causing decreased reproduction, and even death. Reproduction cannot just happen, species have to become sexually mature before they are able to reproduce; however sexual maturity comes at different ages for different species which can increase or decrease the success to repopulate a species. Inconveniently for the alligator snapping turtle a late sexual maturity; onset between eleven and thirteen years old, has a negative effect on their ability to maintain and repopulate numbers of their species. In relation to human sexuality and maturity this seems average; however with an already small population which is decreasing at a faster pace than reproductive turtles can reproduce, the sexual maturity age for this species is considered late and ultimately defines their ability to maintain and repopulate their species. Once sexual maturity is reached, reproduction, procreation and repopulation can commence. Sexually mature turtles mate in the spring, some in early spring and others in late spring depending on habitat location. When they mate, the male mounts the female, grasping her carapace using all four feet to hold on and initiate insemination. Luckily, unlike the human species and other species in the animal kingdom, they only remain pregnant for two months before laying their eggs. While a majority of their time is spent in the water, the females will leave the comfort of their habitat to lay her eggs on land. She will travel approximately 164 feet from the water’s edge to lay her eggs, using her sharp claws to dig a hole in the ground where the clutch will remain until hatching. She will lay anywhere from eight to as high as sixty eggs. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Time is of the essence and everything in life takes time, especially the development of an unborn animal. Various species birth in distinctive ways and time frames. Humans carry their fetuses for forty weeks (give or take), dogs for three months, and snapping turtles for two months; however unlike dogs and humans, they do not birth live turtles which means more time is needed once her job is done. The fertilized egg will remain in the nest for approximately one hundred to one hundred and forty days to incubate, allowing development of the baby turtle; however not all eggs will be fertilized. Interestingly, as the turtle develops in the egg, the gender is determined by temperature not the parents during fertilization. Females are produced at high incubation temperatures ranging between 84.2 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit while males are produced at lower temperatures ranging between 77 degrees and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A variety of other temperatures can produce either female or male offspring. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) By late Summer, early Fall, approximately one hundred to one hundred and forty days after the clutch was laid, the babies will begin to emerge from their eggs, pushing their way through the dirt and making their way instinctively towards the water. Curiously these babies are born with most of their adult characteristics, providing more protection from birth. When the babies are born, they are on their own, independent and solitary. The parents are not nurturing to their young, providing no protection to their young, making the need for adult characteristics at birth. Although small in size and stature at birth, they will not remain this way. These monsters of the turtle world are regarded as North America’s largest freshwater turtle. Amazingly what previously fit comfortably in a small egg will grow to massive lengths and weight. The male is normally larger in size compared to the female, reaching average sizes of thirty one inches in length and up to two hundred pounds of muscle. The male also has a larger, thicker tail than the female. Although smaller in size than its male counterpart, the female is by no means a small creature; averaging twenty-six inches in length and up to one hundred and fifty pounds. (Mdc.mo.gov, 2014) They do not grow this large overnight, actually just the opposite, taking quite some time to grow to these sizes with an overall slow growth for their species.
Structure and Survivability The alligator snapping turtle, like all other species, needs food and water to survive. The ability to consume food and water is similar in many ways to other animals; however there are also some interesting differences. Organs, bone structure, chemical reactions and a variety of other aspects of its body contribute to the differences and similarities to other species. Some animals have exoskeletons where others have endoskeletons. All animals have organs which suit similar purposes; however they may not function exactly the same and they may have a little something extra compared to another animal. The alligator snapping turtle has an exoskeleton providing a protective barrier for its muscles. Although the exoskeleton protects its muscles and tissues it can also hinder it, weighing it down; making it slower out of water. It has another great protective barrier which comes in the form of a rigid carapace, protecting against potential predator attacks; however humans are the only predators for adults. The carapace is a great protection; however it also hinders it because its ribs are actually attached to the shell which creates an inability for the ribs to move. A double edged sword, protection versus possible health problems due to inability to spew water from its lungs which can lead to upper respiratory problems, leading to death. The omnivorous animal mainly is carnivorous; however is a scavenger and will eat plants as well. With such large jaws, the sharp beak-like mouth, their ability to chew is non-existent. They bite their prey into large chunks, sometimes even swallowing the prey whole. They have certain enzymes in their salivary glands which assist in breaking down the food, allowing them to swallow it. Once the food is swallowed it then passes down the esophagus; however the esophagus has little papillae which line it unlike other animals. These papillae allow the turtle to expel water while holding onto the food in the esophagus. Unlike their esophagus their stomach is smooth which allows them to push their food through easily to the sphincter and then into the three separate sections of the small intestines. (Ukessays.com, 2014) Although similar in purpose each organ has uniqueness to them which enable the animal to survive and thrive. A necessary function of all animals is their ability to take in oxygen.
Oxygen helps to ensure the blood flows to the entire body; however the process or action of taking oxygen into the body is not always the same for every animal which is the case for the alligator snapping turtle. They intake air through their mouth like most animals; however they have a small opening in their tongue that is only open during respiration called the glottis. This small hole allows the turtle to intake oxygen as it needs and prevent oxygen or anything else from entering into their lungs when they are not taking a breath. This ability to close off the glottis allows the turtle to stay submerged for longer periods of time as well as catch and eat prey without flooding their lungs. Their lungs are multi-chambered, which is a unique characteristic which also allows it to stay submerged for almost an hour. Most animals intake oxygen and it stores in the blood; however the alligator turtle also stores oxygen in its muscles. Similarities and differences in physical and biological aspects of animal make up allows for each individual species to survive and sustain life; however unique characteristics are no longer enough and if they are not protected they will soon become …show more content…
extinct. The Macrochelys Temminckii known as the Alligator Snapping Turtle to the average person is a large pre-historic looking creature.
It is the largest fresh water turtle in North America, out growing and outweighing its cousin the common snapping turtle. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Although aggressive in appearance, they are more docile than they appear, only aggressive when provoked. They stay rather sedentary throughout the day luring their prey by their worm like tongue and actively hunt at night. (Mdc.mo.gov, 2014) Their armored appearance assists with camouflage along with their black and gray coloring. They are fascinating creatures with long life spans, unique characteristics such as their worm like tongue, the ability to expel air quickly, and their ability to remain under water for long periods of time while controlling their PH balance to decrease carbon dioxide. (Ukessays.com, 2014) Unfortunately due to hunting, habitat depletion and slow reproduction rates the Alligator Snapping Turtle is not as abundant as it once was. Over time the Alligator Snapping Turtle has adapted to its surroundings, using its unique characteristics to survive; however those adaptions soon will no longer be enough to sustain the
population.
Reference Page
Encyclopedia of Life, (2014). Descriptions and articles about the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) - Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 7 October 2014, from http://eol.org/pages/791511/details
Essays, UK. (November 2013). Seven Essential Functions And Comparisons Of Snapping Turtles Biology Essay. Retrieved from http://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/seven-essential-functions-and-comparisons-of-snapping-turtles-biology-essay.php?cref=1
Mdc.mo.gov,. (2014). Alligator Snapping Turtle | Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved 7 October 2014, from http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/alligator-snapping-turtle DiLaura, P.; J. Pruitt; D. Munsey; G. Good; B. Meyer and K. Urban 1999. "Macrochelys temminckii" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 10, 2014 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Macrochelys_temminckii/