Turtles

Some characteristics of Chelonians: Turtles are unique in their appearance and easily recognizable. There are two main lineages of turtles: those with a hidden neck (suborder Cryptodira) and side-neck turtles (Pleurodira). The latter only occur in South America, Australia and New Guinea. Turtles are the longest-lived vertebrates. In some species of turtles the sex of the offspring is determined by sex chromosomes, as it is in all mammals. However in most species, the temperature encountered during incubation determines the sex of the hatchling. Females are usually produced at warmer temperatures and males at colder, however, some species have other patterns.
About 260 species of turtles are known from 12 families. Regions of exceptionally high diversity of turtles are the southeastern US and Southeast Asia.

Some additional links on turtles:

• South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians
• The EMYSystem
  

Literature: Rieppel, O. and R.R. Reisz. 1999. The origin and early evolution of turtles. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 30:1-22.

Obst, F.J. 1986. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins. Edition Leipzig.

Species in brown font were observed in the ACE Basin during a herpetofauna survey in 2002- species in red font are presumed to occur there based on their overall range!

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