The Turtle: The Reptile & The Totem

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"Turtles", or 'testudines' are reptiles of the order 'Testudines', that are characterized by a special shell, developed mainly, from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the 'Pleurodira' (side necked turtles) and 'Cryptodira' (hidden necked turtles), which differ, in the way the head retracts. There are 360 living and recently extinct species of turtles, including land-dwelling tortoises and freshwater terrapins. They are found on most continents, some islands and in the case of sea turtles, much of the ocean. Turtles have appeared in myths and folktales around the world. Some terrestrial and freshwater species are widely kept, as pets. Turtles have been hunted for their meat, for use in traditional medicine and for their shells. Sea turtles are often killed accidentally, as bycatch, in fishing nets and turtle habitats around the world are being destroyed. As a result of these pressures, many turtle species are extinct, or, threatened with extinction. The largest living species of turtle (and fourth-largest reptile) is the leatherback turtle, which can reach over 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) in length and can weigh over 500 kg (1,100 lbs). The largest known turtle was 'Archelon ischyros', a Late Cretaceous Period sea turtle and it measured up to 4.5 m (15 ft) long and 5.25 m (17 ft) wide between the tips of the front flippers and was estimated to have weighed over 2,200 kg (4,900 lbs). The smallest living turtle is 'Chersobius signatus' of South Africa, measuring no more than 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and weighing 172 g (6.1 oz). Turtles can live very long lives. The oldest living turtle (and oldest land animal) is said to be a Seychelles giant tortoise, named Jonathan, who lived to be 187 years old, in 2019. A Galápagos tortoise, named Harriet was collected by Charles Darwin, in 1835. She died in 2006, having lived for 'at least '176 years. Most wild turtles do not reach that age.

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Many Thanks & Much Respect To: Brother & SisterTurtle..; All Of The Indigenous Peoples Of The World..; AmericanIndian.si.edu..; Ted Andrews (..in Spirit)..; "Animal Speak"..; Beverly Two Feathers..; En.Wikipedia.Org..; Rib Ticklers..; SOUNDS FROM OUR MOTHER EARTH.. and to all the other brothers and sisters who have contributed to this video with photos and/or, in any other way.

Chi Miigwetch!.. Many Blessings & Thanks..!

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