Morphology -
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Biology -
The Green Sea Turtle have several adaptations. They are efficient swimmers. The first adaptation is that they have a compact, flattened shell. The second adaptations is that they have flippers. They also have a color adaptation which is countershading.
Importance -
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Facts -
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Resources -
http://www.costaricaturtles.org/costa_new_vocabulary.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_sea_turtle
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/green-turtle/
Classification -
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Morphology -
The Gentoo penguin has bilateral symmetry. This charismatic marine bird is easily distinguished from other penguins by its bright orange-red bill and the conspicuous white patches above each eye.These white patches, which usually meet across the crown, contrast highly with the black head and throat, but there may also be a scattering of white feathers on the head. The white underparts are sharply separated from the penguin’s bluish-black back, which appears browner as the feathers become worn.The gentoo penguin has pale whitish-pink webbed feet and a fairly long tail - the most prominent tail of all penguins. As the gentoo penguin waddles along on land, its tail sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side, hence the scientific name Pygoscelis, which means ‘brush-tailed’. The gentoo penguin calls in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud trumpeting which is emitted with its head thrown back.
Biology -
The gentoo penguin is the third largest species of penguin in the world behind the king penguin and the emperor penguin, with adult gentoo penguins reaching heights of up to 80cm in the southern parts of their range. The gentoo penguins found further north, are on average, slightly heavier and taller than their southern counterparts.
The gentoo penguin is a carnivorous animal, that like all other penguin species, survives on a diet that is only comprised of marine animals. Krill and small crustaceans make up the bulk of the gentoo penguin's diet along with larger organisms including squid and various species of fish.
Importance -
Gentoo penguin skin has been exploited to produce clothing and accessories such as caps, slippers and purses. The feathers have been used for clothing and decorations. Their fat layer has also been exploited to extract oil. In earlier times rural human populations in the Falklands harvested Gentoo eggs as a source of dietary protein; these practices have currently subsided to a great extent. The total economic value of the species is far greater than any imputed current economic benefit; in addressing the total economic benefit one considers the existence benefit (value placed on the species for observation and for willingness to preserve the species) as well as the legacy benefit, or that value for future generations in supplying enjoyment as well as genetic resources which can prove valuable in scientific research and pharmaceutical sources.
Facts -
-Are the penguin world's third largest members, reaching a height of 30 inches and a weight of 12 pounds.
-Gentoos are partial to ice-free areas, including coastal plains, sheltered valleys, and cliffs.
-Gather in colonies of breeding pairs that can number from a few dozen to many thousands.
-Gentoo parents, which often form long-lasting bonds, are highly nurturing. At breeding time, both parents will work to build a circular nest of stones, grass, moss, and feathers. The mother then deposits two spherical, white eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for more than a month. Hatchlings remain in the nest for up to a month, and the parents alternate foraging and brooding duties.
-They can remain below for up to seven minutes and dive as deep as 655 feet.
Vocab -
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