As we all know, or at least we have realized, few animals have the tranquility and patience that humans have. turtlesHowever, this does not mean that we cannot be surprised by its skills and curiosities. Whatever species we observe or have at home, we can surely always be impressed by its characteristics, habits and curiosities. For this reason, today we bring you some fun facts about these fascinating creatures that we can have at home or find in nature.
Do turtles cry? A myth debunked
Surely you have heard at some point that Turtles cry. This is not entirely true. These creatures do not cry because of emotions or sadness like humans, but the tears they seem to shed have a specific biological function. In the case of sea turtlesThey secrete salt through their tear glands as a mechanism to eliminate the excess salt they absorb when swimming in salt water. This process occurs in their eyes and gives the impression that they are crying as they return to the sea.
The extremely advanced longevity of turtles
One of the Most surprising aspects of turtles is its remarkable longevity. The Average age of giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands The average life span is around 80 years, and some even reach 120 years. But if this is already impressive, in an area located in the southwest of China, called Hainan, a turtle was found that, according to researchers, was more than 500 years old. This makes this specimen one of the oldest reptiles on record.
Brianda sea turtles, their life expectancy is also extraordinary, being able to live from 150 to 200 years depending on the species. It is fascinating to think that these creatures have existed for more than 110 million years, coexisting even with dinosaurs.
Can turtles turn around?
There are many popular beliefs about turtles, one of the most common being that if they fall on their backs they cannot turn over again. However, this is not entirely true. When a turtle is in optimal health, It has enough capacity to push with its legs and turn its heavy body. until it is upside down again. However, the effort may be much greater if the turtle is older or weak. In these cases, it may need help to avoid being exposed for too long, which could compromise its health.
The shell: Armor or something more?
The shell of turtles is not just a simple piece of armor. It is made up of over 50 bones that are fused to their spine and ribs, meaning it forms an integral part of their internal skeleton. This provides them with a solid and safe structure to protect themselves from predators, but it also gives them some flexibility. It is worth noting that turtles cannot detach themselves from their shell in any way, as it is completely attached to their body.
Unique anatomical curiosities
Turtles are very peculiar animals from an anatomical point of view. For example, they don't have teethInstead, they have a sharp, horny beak that they use to cut and grind their food. Also, although they do not have external ears, they do have inner ears that are highly sensitive to vibes, allowing them to perceive sounds and detect nearby predators.
Another curiosity is that they lack vocal cords and yet can produce sounds that they use to communicate, especially during the breeding season or in moments of alert.
Temperature determines the sex of turtles
Brianda sea turtles, the sex of the offspring depends on the temperature of the nest during the incubation period. If the eggs are in a warm environment, females are more likely to be born; on the contrary, lower temperatures favor the birth of males. This phenomenon, known as sex determination by temperature, is raising concerns among scientists due to the impact of climate change, as it could significantly alter the proportions of males and females in turtle populations.
A millennial legacy
It's exciting to think that turtles have been on Earth for millions of years, weathering numerous changes in climate and environment. The fact that they have persisted this long reminds us of how essential which are for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Although many species are currently in danger of extinction due to human actions, such as pollution and poaching, we can still work to preserve their legacy.
Turtles are much more than just animals that symbolize patience and longevity. Their biology and behaviour hide fascinating secrets that we have only recently begun to uncover. Learning more about these incredible creatures helps us not only to value them, but also to understand the importance of conserving their habitats and protecting them for future generations.