EEB267H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Asian Box Turtle, Autotomy, Urban Species
2 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
65% are vulnerable-endangered-critical-extinct: far more endangered than amphibians. No matter what humans do for testudines" situations, there is no effect on the endangerment of species. Traditionally always under pressure: asian box turtle, sea turtle, true tortoises: any turtle that is not semi-aquatic is very easy to catch. Aspects of biology that make them vulnerable: longevity, low fecundity produce few eggs and do not bread each year, nesting habits nests are easy to find, easy to catch. Human stressors: hunting them for food (both adults and eggs) Introduced (or city) predators easy for nest predators (urban species such as skunks, foxes, raccoons) to find: habitat destruction roads built through their habitat, ecotourism. Autapomorphy: caudal autotomy able to shed the tail without doing serious damage. Damage to blood vessels: specialized sphincters in blood vessels, vessels have thickened smooth muscles sphincters in the walls that shut the vessel to stop bleeding.
