A Comparison of Compass Orientation Mechanisms in Three Turtles (Trionyx spinifer, Chrysemys picta and Terrapene carolina)

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Abstract
Three species of adult turtles (Trionyx spinifer, Chrysemys picta and Terrapene carolina) were tested in various situations to establish their relative compass orientation abilities. The animals showed a significant orientation in a trained direction. Their responses were shown to be dependent upon an internal biological clock and time-dependent celestial cues. C. picta, T. carolina and T. spinifer possess Type II (compass orientation) ability. This ability is contingent upon time-dependent celestial cues and an internal biological clock synchronized with local time. The motivation to use these abilities as opposed to positive geotactic cues appears to be greater for C. picta and T. carolina than for T. spinifer.

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