Reptiles -- Turtles Flashcards
Which statement best describes the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
A. A Turtle is a reptile (in the order Testudines) that has a shell and a tortois is a type of turtle.
B. A turtle is a type of tortoise.
C. A turtle is a reptile (in the order Testudines) that has a shell and is a type of tortoise.
D. There are no differences between a turtle and a tortoise.
A. A Turtle is a reptile (in the order Testudines) that has a shell and a tortois is a type of turtle.
Head-bob displays in desert tortoises are a means of which of the following?
A. Communication
B. Irritation
C. Sexual maturity
D. None is correct
A. Communication
What is the gular horn (a projection of the plastron) used for?
A. Sexual recognition
B. Digging
C. Ramming opponents
D. Sexual recognition and digging
C. Ramming opponents
What percentage of desert tortoise hatchlings are estimated to survive to become sexually mature?
A. 50%
B. 75%
C. 90%
D. 1%
D. 1%
The upper part of a turtle’s shell is called a plastron and the lower part is called a carapace.
True or False
False
Turtles make great pets because they are disease free.
True or False
False
Female desert tortoises can store viable sperm for several seasons.
True or False
True
Male tortoises have concave plastrons to facilitate mating.
True or False
True
It is illegal to have a desert tortoise as a pet in Tucson.
True or False
False
The sex of a baby box turtle is dependent on the temperature during egg incubaiton.
True or False
True
Desert tortoise populations west and north of the Colorade River are listed as Threatened by the USFWS; state laws protect the remaining populations.
True or False
True
Male desert tortoises may engage in seasonal combat bouts, establishing dominance and promoting passage of the fittest genes in reproduction.
True or False
True
Box turtles can climb out of their shells.
True or False
False
Check the characteristic(s) of desert tortoises.
___ Flattened forelimbs adapted for digging and burrowing.
___ Hind legs are cylindrical and elephantine in shape.
___ Short, broad, club-shaped feet.
___ Webbed toes.
___ Strong claws.
___ Domed carapace.
___ Omnivorous diet.
_X__ Flattened forelimbs adapted for digging and burrowing.
_X__ Hind legs are cylindrical and elephantine in shape.
_X__ Short, broad, club-shaped feet.
___ Webbed toes.
_X__ Strong claws.
_X__ Domed carapace.
___ Omnivorous diet.
Check the requirement(s) of a TAP approved tortoise yard.
___ Enclosure must be a minimum of 1200 sq. ft.
___ Access to a pool or pond.
___ Secure fencing (at least 28” high with 18” buried in ground).
___ Sun and shade available throughout the day.
___ Drining water available.
___ No chemical treatment of the area.
___ Access to the pet dog for socializaiton.
___ Must have an above ground shelter (winter burrow).
___ Enclosure must be a minimum of 1200 sq. ft.
___ Access to a pool or pond.
___ Secure fencing (at least 28” high with 18” buried in ground).
_X__ Sun and shade available throughout the day.
_X__ Drining water available.
_X__ No chemical treatment of the area.
___ Access to the pet dog for socializaiton.
_X__ Must have an above ground shelter (winter burrow).
