154 REPTILIA (the turtle) 



(c) Follow it very cautiousl}^ not losing sight of it until 



it stops. 



(d) How does it conceal itself in the mud? 



(e) Is its color of use to it in its natural environment? 



If so, of what use? 

 2. Laboratory Study. 

 Place the turtle in the tank with about an inch of water. 



(1) Watch it, to see how it breathes. 



(2) Experiment with various kinds of foods, leaving them 



overnight in the tank. What kind or kinds does the 

 turtle eat? 



(3) Leave it several days without food. Then offer it 



fresh meat. 



(a) How does it take its food? 



(b) Does it chew its food? Does it swallow it whole? 



(c) Of what use is its beak? 



(4) Neck. 



(a) Why is the neck so long? 



(b) Turn it over on its back. How does it turn over? 



(5) Locomotion. 



(a) Put the turtle on the ground or floor. Does it lift 



or drag the body when walking? 



(b) Put it in deep water. 



(1) Watch it swim. Describe. 



(2) What adaptations has it for swimming? 



(3) Can it dive? 



(6) Protection. 



(a) Can it withdraw its head and limbs into the shell? 



(b) What does it do with its tail? 



(c) Compare with a box-turtle, if you can get one. 



(7) Has it any means of defense aside from its shell? If 



so, what? 



(8) Eyelids. 



(a) How many? 



(b) Movements? 



(9) Voice. 



(a) Does it make say sound? If so, how? 



(b) For what purpose? 



