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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