Abstract This paper will explain the organism profile of the organism Terrapene carolina carolina, or more commonly known as the Eastern box turtle. They are found across the eastern United States in forests or meadows where there is moisture. Eastern box turtles are sometimes found outside of this region due to their popularity as pets. This paper examines the Eastern box turtles successful life cycle, reproduction process, adaptations, characteristics, evolution, the blood system of the animal, and its diet.
Organism Profile Terrapene carolina carolina, or better known as the Eastern box turtle is one of many subspecies under the Genus name Terrapene carolina. Eastern box turtles can live anywhere from Maine down to the East coast of Florida, and West to Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Oklahoma. (Smithsonian National Zoological Park, n.d.) Eastern box turtles prefer deciduous forests along with mixed forests. They inhabit the…show more content… On their bony shell they have a hinged plastron which allows for the shell to completely shut. Box turtles have thick scales on the head and limbs for further protection. Their sharp beak allows them to slice vegetation for them to consume. Terrapene carolina carolina’s have long claws which aid in crawling through underbrush and digging nest holes. Column shaped legs hold the body weight while they are walking. The colors of their shell prevents detection from possible predators. Neck vertebrae form a “S” shape to pull the head in and out. (Eastern Box Turtle, 2001) Eastern box turtles have few predators other than humans. Animals like foxes, raccoons, skunks and snakes will eat the turtle eggs, but they can rarely get through the closed shell to eat an adult. Turtle nests can be invaded by ants and the ants will wait until the babies hatch so they can engulf the turtle before it can leave its nest. (Eastern Box Turtle,
