World Turtle News, 06/08/2017

Soft shell turtles may have evolved due to metabolism, study finds

Small changes in the structure of amino acids have been shown to greatly alter cellular respiration, helping scientists at Oxford University link energy requirements to the evolution of soft shell turtles. The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is a curious exception since it appears to have developed its soft shell for regulating temperature instead.

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Did You Know…

Leatherback sea turtles have developed counter-current heat exchange in order to maintain higher body temperature levels in cold waters. Blood warmed by active muscles is pulled toward the center of the body as it circulates.

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Photo from SFGate.

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WTN Editor

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