Drinking and water expulsion in the diamondback turtle Malaclemys terrapin |
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| Authors: | V L Bels J Davenport and S Renous |
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| Institution: | Agronomic Centre of Applied Researches of Hainaut, Institute ofAgriculture, rue Paul Pastur 11, B-7800 Ath, Belgium;University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, KA 28 OEG, UK;Laboratory of Anatomy, URA 1137 C.N.R.S./Museum, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, F- 75005 Paris, France |
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| Abstract: | Postural and kinematic characteristics of the drinking behaviour in the diamondback turtle, Malaclemys terrapin (Latreille) were investigated by video and high-speed filming experiments. Head, jaw and throat movements in drinking cycles are described. Postures of neck and head were compared for three water depths (2, 10 and 30 mm). Water expulsion, occurring after the turtle was disturbed, is also kinematically described. Finally, a drinking mechanism in the turtle is proposed. |
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