Some turtles, like side-neck turtles and box turtles, can tuck their heads into their shells as a defense mechanism, but sea turtles cannot due to their lighter shells. The turtle shell evolved over nearly 300 million years primarily for protection and support, with different species developing various ways to utilize or not utilize this feature. Fossil evidence shows the shell's evolution from wider ribs and other skeletal modifications, not solely for defense.
Turtles are aquatic reptiles with flattened shells and webbed or flipper-like feet, while tortoises are land-dwelling with domed shells and stumpy legs. Most turtles are omnivorous and live in water, whereas tortoises are herbivorous and adapted for terrestrial life, with some exceptions like the pancake tortoise.
A Chinese man pleaded guilty in a US court to illegally exporting around 850 protected turtles wrapped in socks and falsely labeled as toys to Hong Kong, with a market value of approximately $1.4 million, risking up to five years in prison. The turtles, native to the US and highly valued as pets in China, are protected species, and the case highlights ongoing wildlife smuggling issues.
Scientists have found that cancer is extremely rare in turtles, affecting only about 1% of individuals, due to their strong cellular defenses, slow metabolism, and unique genes, making them a valuable model for understanding cancer resistance and healthy aging, challenging previous assumptions about size and cancer risk in animals.
Over 100 cold-stunned turtles were rescued from North Carolina beaches, with 36 surviving after being brought to rehab centers due to hypothermia-like responses. The turtles, including green, Kemp's ridley, and loggerhead varieties, were unable to swim and eat in freezing temperatures, and are being cared for by facilities such as The North Carolina Aquarium and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Visitors are urged to report stranded turtles, and rehab centers are seeking assistance in providing supplies for their care.
This week in turtles, researchers discovered that oval fossils previously identified as ancient plant species were actually turtle hatchlings. Jonathan, the world's oldest living land animal, celebrated his 191st birthday. Marvin the turtle reached a milestone by producing a large turd, causing his caretaker to be late for a holiday party.
Two plant fossils collected in Colombia over 50 years ago have been identified as rare hatchling turtles from the Cretaceous period. The fossils, originally thought to be extinct plants, were actually tiny turtle shells measuring 2-2.4 inches long. They are the first hatchling marine turtles on record from that period in northern South America. The discovery highlights the need to re-examine historical collections and reveals the potential for misidentification in paleontology.
In relationships, conflict arises between "Turtles" (minimizers) and "Hailstorms" (maximizers) who have opposing ways of dealing with stress. Turtles retreat and seek solitude, while Hailstorms seek contact and express themselves energetically. This dynamic perpetuates tension, but by understanding and learning from each other, they can restore balance and create a healthier relationship.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning against kissing turtles after a multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to small turtles. At least 26 people have fallen ill, with nine hospitalized. Turtles are known carriers of salmonella, which can be spread through their feces. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in rare cases, it can be life-threatening. The CDC advises against kissing or hugging turtles, keeping them away from food preparation areas, and recommends against owning pet turtles for children under 5, adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems. The CDC also advises against kissing cats, dogs, lizards, chickens, ducks, frogs, and hedgehogs.
New research from Duke University shows that higher incubation temperatures increase the number of germ cells in turtle embryos, which in turn drives feminization. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals and could have troubling implications for species in a warming world. As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists are studying how further increases in temperature will affect the pool of germ cells and whether it will produce less-fit females.
