Bum-Breathing Turtle
The Fitzroy River Turtle (Rheodytes leukops) is a unique turtle found only in the Fitzroy River in eastern Queensland. The R. leukops is able to breathe normally above water but can remain underwater for anywhere up to twenty one days during winter and four days during spring. It is able to remain submerged for such phenomenal amounts of time due to an extremely unusual respiratory function. The R. leukops can survive on oxygen extracted from water taken into its cloaca, a cavity in the pelvic region into which the alimentary canal and the genital and urinary ducts open. Unfortunately the species is under threat as a plan has been proposed, encouraging the damming its habitat, the Fitzroy River.Identification of the genus Rheodytes The R. leukops comes from the family Chelidae and is monotypic; meaning that it is part of either a genus or species that consists of only one type of animal or plant. It is the only member of the genus Rheodytes. It is distinguishable by its relatively short neck in comparison to the rest of its body as well as many marking found on the chelid (BARBOUR, 1984). When the head and neck of the turtle are fully extended, they are still much shorter than the length of the shell, which aver
The cloacal vent is held continuously open, while the huge cloacal bursae pulsate, drawing water in and then squirting it out after the exchange of gasses has taken place. Through this function, R. leukops is able to extract 70% of their needed oxygen from the water (BARBOUR, 1984). This extraordinary respiratory function takes place in the gills that line the cloaca. This form of respiration has been detected in other species but none are even close to the level of development found in the R. leukops. Most animals that are able to stay under water for long periods of time are found in much colder climates where they go into a type of hibernation. According to Dr. Franklin, the unusual breathing apparatus of the R. leukops is almost non-existent in other tropical animals (http://www.zen.uq.edu.au/~zlcfrank/homepage.htm). However, this alternative method of respiration is an excellent adaptation for creatures living in the oxygen-rich waters of riffles such as the Fitzroy River system. This respiratory function also allows the turtle to remain submerged for periods of time avoiding predators such as crocodiles. Australian Animals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles and Insects. (1999). [Online]. Available: http://www.wilmap.com.au/wildlife.html#3333 [2001, March 15].
Some topics in this essay:
River Identification,
Fitzroy River,
University Queensland,
Online Available,
Crossing CAMERON,
September October,
Dr Franklin,
Ribbon Weed,
online available,
2001 march,
Scientist Magazine,
2001 march 15,
march 15,
Turtle Rheodytes,
fitzroy river,
respiratory function,
cloacal breathing,
reptiles amphibians,
damming habitat,
barbour 1984,
cloacal bursae,
2001 online available,
cloacal bursae leukops,
form cloacal breathing,
encyclopedia reptiles amphibians,
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