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Title: Why do turtles live so long

Journal Article · · BioScience; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1310589· OSTI ID:6077771

Turtles appear to live longer than most other species of vertebrates, according to both maximal lifespans from zoo records and survivorship patterns in natural populations. Turtle longevity may reflect low metabolic activity, an absence of physiological and anatomical senility, a large investment in the adult's protective shell, and a life history with a long maturation period.

Research Organization:
Savannah River Ecology Lab., Aiken, SC
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-76SR00819
OSTI ID:
6077771
Journal Information:
BioScience; (United States), Vol. 37:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English