12/01/2023
The muscular system in turtles is very different than in other vertebrates. Muscles that are usually used to flex and twist in the backbone, in most animals, are almost completely obsolete in turtles. This is due to their spine being rigid. However, they have well developed muscles in their necks which allows them to retract into their shell.
When we breathe, our chest expands and then retracts, pulling in air and then releasing it. A turtle’s chest can’t do this because of their hard plastron. Instead, their lungs inflate and take up room inside their shell. Turtles inhale less frequently than we do, this allows them to be able to hold their breath longer than other animals. This is due to the amount of C02 in their blood. When you startle a turtle, their first reaction is to retract into their shell, this releases the air from their lungs. They can remain in this state for quite some time. Since their lungs are on their back, it is important that you do not allow your turtle to be placed on their backs.
Turtles are cold blooded. This means that they rely on external heat to enable their vital organs.
Turtles do not thermoregulate on their, they rely on external heat to achieve optimum metabolic efficiency. Turtles also need UVB. UVB has a direct effect upon the immune system in skin and also stimulates production of beta endorphins, giving sunlight its feel-good factor. This range of the light spectrum is crucial for its role in skin synthesis of vitamin D3. For this to occur, sunlight must contain UVB in a particular range.
The coloration “melanism” in their carapace varies according to their geographical area. Turtles from extremely hot places tend to be lighter while turtles from colder places tend to be darker.
Turtle shells have tiny pores which help trap in radiant heat, this is why nothing should be applied to the shell unless it’s for medical treatment.
A turtle’s heart pumps blood to all the vital organs and muscles, but a large amount is sent underneath the carapace, this helps them warm up before the blood continues to circulate.
Turtles have nerve endings on their shells. They are extremely sensitive, they can feel the slightest touch on their skin and shells.
Turtles have extremely good color vision, they have a fourth cone which responds to UVA. UVA light helps regulate behaviors such as feeding (appetite), diurnal movement, mating and similar activities.
Since turtles don’t have external ears, skin flaps allow vibrations and low-frequency sound in the ear canal. Turtle ears can sense air displaced, such as a large predator is near, or detect vibrations coming off the ground, such as footsteps. They use their ears in conjunction with more powerful senses, such as smell, to find prey and dodge predators. It is believed that captive turtles can sense their owners approaching using this combination.
Turtle’s primary sense is their sense of smell, it is more acute than one may realize. They rely heavily on scent for daily activities like, finding food, mates, nesting areas, and avoiding predators.
