Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle native to the United States. The species is named in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The turtle gets its common name from the ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator. Fast Facts: Alligator Snapping Turtle Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckiiDistinguishing Features: Large turtle with strong jaws and a ridged shell resembling alligator skinAverage Size: 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb); males larger than femalesDiet: Primarily carnivorousAverage Life Span: 20 to 70 yearsHabitat: Midwest to Southeast United StatesConservation Status: VulnerableKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelydridaeFun Fact: Although not aggressive, the turtle can deliver a bite powerful enough to amputate fingers. Description The alligator snapping turtle has a large head and thick shell with three ridges that feature large, spiked scales. In contrast, the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) has a smoother shell. Snapping turtle have strong, stout heads, powerful jaws, and sharp claws. Although alligator snapping turtles may be black, brown, or olive green, most turtles appear greenish from algae growing on the carapace. The turtle has golden eyes with a radiating pattern that aids camouflage. On average, adult alligator snapping turtles range from 35 to 81 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) carapace length and weigh between 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb). Females tend to be smaller than males. Male alligator snapping turtles can be very large, potentially reaching 183 kg (403 lb). Of the freshwater turtles, only a few Asian softshell species reach a comparable size. Distribution The alligator snapping turtles makes its home in the rivers, lakes, and canals of the midwestern to southeastern United States. It lives in watersheds that ultimately drain into the Gulf of Mexico. The turtle is found as far north as South Dakota, as far west as Texas, and east to Florida and Georgia. Alligator snapping turtles live almost exclusively in the water. Females venture onto land to lay eggs. Diet and Predators Technically, turtles are omnivorous. But, for the most part, alligator snapping turtles are opportunistic predators. Their usual diet includes fish, carcasses, mollusks, amphibians, worms, snakes, water birds, crayfish, aquatic mammals, and other turtles. They will also eat aquatic plants. Large alligator snapping turtles have been known to kill and eat American alligators. Like other reptiles, they refuse to eat when the temperature is extremely cold or hot because they cannot digest their meal. The turtles tongue resembles a worm. reptiles4all, Getty Images Although the turtles tend to hunt at night, they can lure small prey during the daytime using their unusual tongues. The tongue of the turtle resembles a pink wriggling worm. A variety of predators may eat turtle eggs and hatchlings, including snakes, raccoons, skunks, herons, and crows. Humans are the only significant predator of the adults. Reproduction and Life Cycle Alligator snapping turtles become sexually mature around 12 years of age. They mate in the spring. About two months later, the female leaves the water to build a nest and deposit between 10 and 50 eggs. She selects a nest site near the water, but high enough or far enough to protect the eggs from flooding. Hatchlings emerge after 100 to 140 days, in early autumn. Their sex is determined by incubation temperature. In captivity, most turtles live between 20 and 70 years. However, they can potentially live as long as 200 years. Conservation Status The IUCN Red List classifies the alligator snapping turtle as a vulnerable species. The turtle is listed on CITES Appendix III (United States), with restrictions on its capture in several states within its range and on exportation. Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are among states in which the turtle is considered endangered. Threats include collection for the pet trade, habitat destruction, pollution, pesticide accumulation, and trapping for its meat. Although threatened in the wild, the turtle is also kept in captivity. Conservationists are concerned release of captive turtles outside the species natural range may cause it to become invasive. In 2013, an alligator snapping turtle was captured and euthanized in Oregon. Some states prohibit keeping alligator snapping turtles as pets. Sources Elsey, R. M. (2006). Food Habits of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) from Arkansas and Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist. 5 (3): 443–452. doi:10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[443:FHOMTA]2.0.CO;2Ernst, C., R. Barbour, J. Lovich. (1994). Turtles of the United States and Canada. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1560988231.Gibbons, J. Whitfield (1987). Why Do Turtles Live So Long?. BioScience. 37 (4): 262–269. doi:10.2307/1310589Thomas, Travis M.; Granatosky, Michael C.; Bourque, Jason R.; Krysko, Kenneth L.; Moler, Paul E.; Gamble, Tony; Suarez, Eric; Leone, Erin; Roman, Joe (2014). Taxonomic assessment of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species from the southeastern United States. Zootaxa. 3786 (2): 141–165. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3786.2.4Tortoise Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group 1996. Macrochelys temminckii (errata version published in 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Spe cies 1996: e.T12589A97272309. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T12589A3362355.en

Mise-En-Scene Hp Essays

Mise-En-Scene Hp Essays Mise-En-Scene Hp Essay Mise-En-Scene Hp Essay Harry Potter films are great interpretations of the film element mise-en-scene. In The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two; such sub elements that relate to the mise-en-scene include the setting, costume, figure, expression, movement, lighting, color, and objects within the frame. Putting together each scene or frame to make all of the sub elements that in full make up the mise-en-scene determines the mood of both the scene and the characters in it. An audience is able to get a sense of what is happening within the scene that is used with unspoken words before the actual movie hits theatres. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two begins with showing Harry Potter standing in his doorway showing the full setting. The setting included an average styled house, which gave way to knowing who part of Harry Potter as a person is. He has grown up in his uncle’s house and being surrounded by the atmosphere where being abnormal made him isolated and unwanted. In this scene where Harry has a backpack on his back, the door ajar, and letting his owl go shows that he has grown into the man that he eventually turned out to be which is someone who isn’t afraid to step out of the box and be there for his loved ones. It’s nighttime and the mood is one that is mysterious and dark. His facial expression within this scene is one of great melancholy and sullen. His expression, objects being worn, and setting is showing that he will be setting on a mysterious adventure. Another sub element of a mise-en-scene is costume. Harry Potter is wearing jeans, a simple red t-shirt, and a jacket. This simple combination of clothing suggests the year the movie setting is taken place. His clothes suggest that he is neither wealthy nor poor, however just middle class. Lastly his glasses are his trademark, because he is always wearing them throughout each of the films. As Harry is letting his owl go, his expression is one of regret. He regrets the separation of him and his owl because ever since he first received the letter of acceptance into Hogwarts, Harry and Hedwig have been the greatest of friends. The distance between Harry and Hedwig gives a balanced shot between the two. Lighting brings out much in this scene. Harry is wearing a red t-shirt that brings much added attention to him because his entire setting around him is a neutral dark night. The red is used to draw the audience to pay closer attention to him because he is known as an important character. The red also suggests that he has much love for his owl as well as his family and friends who are compared to the conflicting internal evil that feature within the film. The overall low-key use of light within this scene is used to specifically reflect Harry Potter’s gloomy expressions. The overall use of a mise-en-scene within the Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows part two is greatly used. Mise-en-scene relates to the theatrics of space and how it is then constructed for the camera. How the space is arranged and how each actor and the objects within the space relate within it render exciting topics on film. The balance that exists between the action and the scene itself speaks louder than the actual words being said by the actors themselves. The use of each actor, the costumes, and the lighting used throughout Harry Potter made the mise-en-scene flow perfectly. The audience always understood what was happening throughout the movie whether it be to make the mood a light-hearted or serious.