Cycle Of Life: The Alligator Snapping Turtle

Biodiversity is a necessity to sustain life on Earth, each species playing an important role in the various cycles which maintain and sustain life on the planet. Without one species another species who depends on it could go extinct or over-populate without the other to control it, causing a domino effect that disrupts the balance of life as a whole and the overall biodiversity of this planet. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of those various species which helps to promote life and maintain a balance in the cycle of life. It is a fascinating and fierce species which can be located in numerous southern states including but not limited to Georgia, Florida and some Gulf states, and as far North as Illinois, Maryland and Kansas. This creature
Oxygen helps to ensure the blood flows to the entire body; however the process or action of taking oxygen into the body is not always the same for every animal which is the case for the alligator snapping turtle. They intake air through their mouth like most animals; however they have a small opening in their tongue that is only open during respiration called the glottis. This small hole allows the turtle to intake oxygen as it needs and prevent oxygen or anything else from entering into their lungs when they are not taking a breath. This ability to close off the glottis allows the turtle to stay submerged for longer periods of time as well as catch and eat prey without flooding their lungs. Their lungs are multi-chambered, which is a unique characteristic which also allows it to stay submerged for almost an hour. Most animals intake oxygen and it stores in the blood; however the alligator turtle also stores oxygen in its muscles. Similarities and differences in physical and biological aspects of animal make up allows for each individual species to survive and sustain life; however unique characteristics are no longer enough and if they are not protected they will soon become
It is the largest fresh water turtle in North America, out growing and outweighing its cousin the common snapping turtle. (Encyclopedia of Life, 2014) Although aggressive in appearance, they are more docile than they appear, only aggressive when provoked. They stay rather sedentary throughout the day luring their prey by their worm like tongue and actively hunt at night. (Mdc.mo.gov, 2014) Their armored appearance assists with camouflage along with their black and gray coloring. They are fascinating creatures with long life spans, unique characteristics such as their worm like tongue, the ability to expel air quickly, and their ability to remain under water for long periods of time while controlling their PH balance to decrease carbon dioxide. (Ukessays.com, 2014) Unfortunately due to hunting, habitat depletion and slow reproduction rates the Alligator Snapping Turtle is not as abundant as it once was. Over time the Alligator Snapping Turtle has adapted to its surroundings, using its unique characteristics to survive; however those adaptions soon will no longer be enough to sustain the