Tortoise's body is covered by carapace and abdominal shell, and it can't complete the breathing process by expanding and contracting the lungs like other reptiles and vertebrates. Its respiratory system has evolved more thoroughly than amphibians. The tortoise's lungs are under the carapace, so it can't breathe air directly. It has to keep stuffing air into its mouth.
When the oropharynx rises, air is forced into the lungs; The mouth sinks and the air is exhausted. This rhythmic contraction of the tortoise's mouth and pharynx means that the tortoise is breathing.
Another way is to breathe through the movement of the turtle's neck and limbs. There is a muscle in the lung connected to the front foot. The front foot swings to pull the lung muscles, and air enters the lungs to complete the inhalation action. The other muscle will squeeze the internal organs and expel the exhaust gas. This repetitive process enables the tortoise to complete its breathing function.
Living habits
The tortoise is a semi-aquatic and semi-terrestrial reptile. Mainly inhabit rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and other waters. Trapped in water during the day. When it is hot in summer, they look for shade in droves. Gentle temperament, do not fight with each other. When the enemy is injured or frightened, the head, limbs and tail are retracted into the shell.
Turtles are omnivores. They feed on animals and insects, worms, small fish, shrimp, snails, mussels, tender leaves of plants, duckweed, melon skin, wheat grains, rice and weed seeds. Their hunger tolerance is very strong, and they will not die if they don't eat for months.
Turtles are temperature-changing animals. When the water temperature is below 10℃, they hibernate in silt or covered loose soil. The hibernation period generally lasts from 1 1 to April of the following year. When the water temperature rises to 15℃, the cave will move. Water temperature 18-20℃ to start feeding. Afraid of high temperature above 20℃, hiding in deep cement.