Turtles An Extraordinary Natural History 245 Million Years in the Making

by Franklin, Carl J.; Killpack, David C.

• ISBN13: 9780760329818
• ISBN10: 0760329818
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-07-15
• Publisher: Voyageur Press

Summary

Turtles are a species of reptile at its evolutionary zenith, with an ancient lineage stretching back over 200 million years. Under their unmistakable shells, testament to their survival, they harbor a natural history of epochal proportions. This is the engrossing story Turtles tells. The book offers a full account of the evolution, history, diversity, ecology, and behavior of the turtle, and of the problems facing these reptiles worldwide. The book describes the important role turtles play in their ecosystems, as well as the pressures put upon current populations by habitat destruction, over-collection for the pet trade, and increasing consumption for food. Accompanying Franklins text are photographs and illustrations testifying to the colorful diversity of the 300 species of turtle known to inhabit forest, mountains, prairies, rivers, lakes, and oceans of the world--70 within the United States alone. Appendices provide contact information for turtle organizations, as well as a listing of all extant chelonians.

Author Biography

Carl J. Franklin is the Biological Curator and Collections Manager of the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington. He is also owner and founder of Carl's Creepy Crawlers, an organization devoted to educating the public about reptiles and amphibians. He has contributed articles to a variety of periodicals, including Herpetological Review, Reptiles Magazine, and Reptile and Amphibian Hobbyist, and serves as herpetology consultant with several zoos and conservation groups in Mexico and Central America.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 8
The Life and Lifestyle of Turtles	p. 10
Chelonian Taxonomy, Form, and Function	p. 12
Taxonomy	p. 14
Physical Features	p. 14
Skeletal System	p. 14
Shell	p. 17
Skull	p. 18
Feet	p. 18
Tail	p. 18
Respiration	p. 22
Sensory Realm	p. 22
Ecology	p. 24
Thermoregulation	p. 27
Feeding and Diet	p. 28
Courtship and Reproduction	p. 31
Predators	p. 37
Defense Strategies	p. 40
Seasonal Periods of Inactivity	p. 43
Age	p. 44
The Ancient Origins of Turtles	p. 46
Jurassic Chelonians	p. 48
Chelonians of the Cretaceous	p. 49
The Diversity of Modern Chelonians	p. 50
Suborder Pleurodira: Side-Necked Turtles	p. 54
Family Chelidae: Austro-American Side-Necked Turtles	p. 56
Family Pelomedusidae: African Side-Necked Turtles	p. 63
Family Podocnemidae: South American River Turtles and the Madagascan Big-Headed Turtle	p. 65
Suborder Cryptodira: Hidden-Necked Turtles	p. 70
Family Carrettochelyidae: The Fly River Turtle	p. 72
Family Cheloniidae: Sea Turtles	p. 76
Family Chelydridae: Snapping Turtles	p. 82
Family Dermatemydidae: The Central American River Turtle	p. 86
Family Dermochelyidae: The Leatherback Sea Turtle	p. 89
Family Emydidae: Aquatic and Terrestrial Turtles	p. 96
Family Geoemydidae: Aquatic and Terrestrial Turtles	p. 105
Family Kinosternidae: Mud and Musk Turtles	p. 115
Family Platysternidae: The Big-Headed Turtle	p. 118
Family Staurotypidae: Giant Musk Turtles	p. 119
Family Testudinidae: Tortoises	p. 121
Family Trionychidae: Soft-Shelled Turtles	p. 133
Appendix
Taxonomy of Turtles	p. 140
Conservation Organizations	p. 151
Index	p. 152
About the Author	p. 160
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