“The
upside down tortoise enigma”
By:
Matt Walker
Source:
BBC Earth
It has been the utmost concern of a
majority of people as of late: how does a flipped over tortoise turn upright?
Researchers at the University of Belgrade in Siberia recently conducted a study
to resolve this pressing matter. It is very common for tortoises and other armored
animals such as turtles and armadillos to be flipped over. An inability to get
back up could pose a life or death situation as the animal is left vulnerable
to predators and more likely to starve. This is especially dangerous for
tortoises as they are unable to turn themselves upright by merely twisting
their bodies within their shells. The study used hundred-eighteen Hermann’s
tortoises, a species found in the Mediterranean region, and recorded the amount
of time it took for the subject to fix its position, noting the individual’s
shell geometry. The results show that curvaceous shells were more advantageous,
as were smaller shells. Unfortunately, female tortoises have the tendency to be
larger, therefore their situation is more precarious. Male tortoises frequently
get into fights whose objectives tend to be flipping over the opponent. While
the larger male tortoise is more likely to win the fight, a smaller one would
be able to flip itself upright more quickly.
People tend to overlook or deem
insignificant any news articles in relation to animals. It is a common misconception
that humans are superior beings. However, equal attention should be given to
animals as they too are complex and fascinating. Studies, such as the one
conducted on the Hermann’s tortoises, seek answers to the evolutionary course
of animals. Since we are all inhabitants of the planet Earth, the story of the
tortoise is intertwined with the story of us.
Armine, your blog post is both intriguing and amusing. With all the chaos and major problems in the world right now, I did not expect to be reading about tortoise shells. It provides an escape from more troublesome issues while still being informative. It was a delightful read and I also liked the picture.
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed your last line "the story of the tortoise is intertwined with the story of us". Quite true Armine, quite true. Many might see this news on a website and only glance at it, but you brought great attention to the tough life of the tortoise. You really dug into this emotional subject and gave the tortoise some importance. If I could not get back up after falling down on the floor how could I continue living that way? Fantastic work Armig, because yes tortoises do have it tough.
ReplyDeleteArmine, this question was bothering me for quite some time, until I read your blog post; I thank you for answering my questions. Indeed, the story of the tortoise is interlaced with that of us, as are the stories of all of nature. While we (the humans) are off bickering and quarreling amongst ourselves, we often forget that there are turtles and armadillos with much more pressing matters at hand. You never cease to surprise me, Armine. I congratulate you for another job well done!
ReplyDeleteQuite an interesting topic you chose here, Armine. Once again you manage to surprise me with your choice of topic and with your blog itself. I enjoyed reading it because you made the tortoise seem so significant and intriguing with your words. Why you chose this topic, I will never know but I am glad you did.
ReplyDelete