• Rose@slrpnk.net
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    15 hours ago

    Fun turtle fact: Turtles have a specific gene related to their ability to produce red pigment, and are the only extant quadruped animals to have it. The gene is also present in birds! So it probably dates back to dinosaur ancestors.

    Another turtle fact: Turtles can be surprisingly fast! In fact, much faster than snails. Many species of turtles actually eat snails. I imagine it’s not the most high speed hunt, but it gets the job done!

    • Dharma Curious (he/him)@slrpnk.net
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      12 hours ago

      Grew up all over the US south. I don’t know about the turtles found elsewhere, but the ones around here (especially the snapping turtles) are shockingly fast. On land they can be a bit slow, but I’ve seen em move at a decent clip to cross a road. But let 'em touch the water and the show is over. Them suckers is quick