Physiology
-Heart Rate: 40 beats/min -> 1 beat every 5 to 10 minutes
-Body Temperature: Adjusts based on environmental temperature
-Breathing Rate: Turtles require a lot less oxygen than mammals because of their low metabolic rates which are already 10 times lower than mammals. During the winter, their metabolism drops 10 to 20% their normal metabolic rate.
-Heart Rate: 40 beats/min -> 1 beat every 5 to 10 minutes
-Body Temperature: Adjusts based on environmental temperature
-Breathing Rate: Turtles require a lot less oxygen than mammals because of their low metabolic rates which are already 10 times lower than mammals. During the winter, their metabolism drops 10 to 20% their normal metabolic rate.
Habitat
box turtles live in a large variety of habitats, they are found in marshes, woodlands, and grassy areas. Prior to hibernation box turtles will go into wooded areas where they dig a chamber to hide in during hibernation. These chambers are usually between 10-50 cm in depth depending on the specie of box turtle. The location for hibernation can be up to 0.5 km from its summer habitat and they will typically return close to the same location each year.
box turtles live in a large variety of habitats, they are found in marshes, woodlands, and grassy areas. Prior to hibernation box turtles will go into wooded areas where they dig a chamber to hide in during hibernation. These chambers are usually between 10-50 cm in depth depending on the specie of box turtle. The location for hibernation can be up to 0.5 km from its summer habitat and they will typically return close to the same location each year.
Mating
As soon as box turtles come out from hibernate (from October to April), they begins to find mates. Female box turtle should not find mate every year to lay their eggs. They can store the sperm for up to 4 years. So, after the hibernate that mid-may to late june, the female box turtle travel to few feet away to dig a nest or lay their eggs.
As soon as box turtles come out from hibernate (from October to April), they begins to find mates. Female box turtle should not find mate every year to lay their eggs. They can store the sperm for up to 4 years. So, after the hibernate that mid-may to late june, the female box turtle travel to few feet away to dig a nest or lay their eggs.
Diet
Box turtles have a difficult time digesting food because it is a cold-blooded animal. The cool temperature during brumation allows it to use little energy when it is not consuming food, which allows it to be able to function without food. It is vital for the digestive system to be empty when the turtle brumates because it could be deadly. It is also important for it to stay hydrated.
Box turtles have a difficult time digesting food because it is a cold-blooded animal. The cool temperature during brumation allows it to use little energy when it is not consuming food, which allows it to be able to function without food. It is vital for the digestive system to be empty when the turtle brumates because it could be deadly. It is also important for it to stay hydrated.
Interesting Facts
Where did the box turtle come from?
The box turtle is a genus of turtle native to Mexico. It's different from other turtles because it it characterized by having a very domed shell. This helps prevent most attacks from predators especially hibernation.
Where did the box turtle come from?
The box turtle is a genus of turtle native to Mexico. It's different from other turtles because it it characterized by having a very domed shell. This helps prevent most attacks from predators especially hibernation.