We all know that turtles are long-lived animals. There are many types of turtles, and sea turtles are one type of turtle. So what is the oldest turtle in the world? Here is me Let’s popularize science for everyone:
Sea turtles (scientific name: Chelonia mydas) belong to the order Chelonia, family Chelonidae, and genus Chelonia. Widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Chinese sea turtles are distributed from Shandong in the north to the offshore waters of Beibu Gulf in the south. It can reach more than 1 meter in length and has a maximum lifespan of about 150 years. There is a pair of forehead scales on the top of the head. The limbs are like paddles, with the forelimbs longer than the hind limbs, and each has a claw on the inside. The head, neck and limbs cannot be retracted into the nail. Feeds mainly on seaweed. Live in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, lay eggs on land and hatch out larvae. It is a national second-level protected animal. Sea turtles adapt to living in the water, and their limbs become flippers to facilitate swimming. Generally only offshore during the breeding season. Female turtles lay their eggs in burrows dug into the sand.
The oldest turtle in the world? Jonathan
The oldest turtle in the world is named Jonathan. He is 178 years old and is considered to be the oldest living turtle in the world. animals. During its long life, it has witnessed the replacement of more than 50 British Prime Ministers and the coronation of 8 monarchs. According to British media reports, a photo taken in 1900 proves this. The photo shows Jonathan, who was in his 70s at the time, chewing wild grass next to a prisoner of war from the Boer War. It is understood that the turtle was brought to the UK from the British colony of St. Helena and raised to this day. Jonathan witnessed the coronation of eight British monarchs? From George IV to Elizabeth II, Britain changed about 50 prime ministers during this period. Now Jonathan and five companions live on an island in the South Atlantic, where they will spend their later years.
The largest tortoise in the world? Harriet
Harriet is a giant Galapagos tortoise, born in 1830, weighing 150 kilograms. It is the oldest living turtle and shelled reptile certified by Guinness World Records. Australian animal activist Steve Owen said: "It must be the longest-lived animal in the world." I think it will definitely live to be 200 years old. ?There is a legend that it was once Darwin's pet. In 1835, Darwin completed his global expedition on the Beagle warship and brought back several small turtles when he returned to England. The turtles were both his pets and the subjects of his research, including Harriet, but historians have doubts about this claim. For more than a century, it was mistaken for a male turtle and named Harry. It was not until the 1950s that Harriet was able to identify herself and became a female turtle named Harriet.
The oldest turtle in the world
Report 1: Xinhua News Agency reported that the Brisbane Zoo in Australia held a grand birthday party for a 175-year-old turtle. This female turtle named Harriet is the oldest animal in the world. It was brought back to the UK from the Galapagos Islands in western Ecuador during Darwin's expedition. He was later brought to Australia. Pictured is Harriet with the turtle-shaped cake prepared for her by the zoo.
Report 2: Now, scientists are conducting research on the living habits and physiological functions of turtles, and have initially revealed the answer to the mystery of turtle longevity: (1) According to zoologists and turtle experts Observation and research have shown that the lifespan of turtles that live on plants is generally longer than that of turtles that eat meat and are omnivorous. For example, domestic turtles living on tropical islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans feed on grass, wild fruits and cacti. They have a particularly long lifespan and can live up to 300 years.
(2) Turtles have unique body structures and physiological functions. The turtle has a hard shell that protects its head, abdomen, limbs and tail from the outside world.
At the same time, turtles also have the habit of lethargy. They sleep for about 10 months a year, both in hibernation and aestivation. In this way, their metabolism becomes slower and their energy consumption is very small.
(3) According to research by scientists, there is a clock for cell division in human and animal cells, which limits the number of generations of cell reproduction and the number of years it can survive. When human embryonic lung fibroblasts are cultured in vitro for 50 generations, it is difficult to continue further, while turtles can reach 110 generations. This shows that the number of generations of turtle cells is closely related to the life span of the turtle.
(4) Zoologists and medical scientists have examined the heart function of tortoises. After the tortoise’s heart was removed from the body, it was able to beat on its own for 24 hours. This shows that the tortoise’s heart function is strong. This plays an important role in the turtle's lifespan.
(5) Scientists believe that the longevity of a turtle is also related to its breathing method. Turtles have no intercostal muscles, so when breathing, they must move the lower part of their mouth up and down to draw air into the mouth and force it to the lungs. Also because when it breathes, its head and feet expand and contract, and its lungs open and inhale. This special breathing action is also the reason why the turtle lives a long life. Scientists also believe that turtles are an excellent animal model for studying human longevity. Therefore, further uncovering the secret of turtle longevity will be of great enlightenment to the study of human health and longevity.