STEYERMARK, A.C.; NELSON, D.E.; PIKOVSKY, A.; GIANG, A.H.; University of St. Thomas; University of St. Thomas; Breck High School; University of St. Thomas: Activity patterns of juvenile snapping turtles and their effects on preferred temperature choice and metabolic rate

The existence of daily rhythms in the regulation of many body processes has been well documented in the last 50 years. In particular, many studies have found repeatable daily rhythms in the regulation of body temperature, activity, and metabolic rate. In turtles, however, some results suggest that some turtle species show patterns of temperature choice, while others results suggest no temperature choice. In this study, we measured the daily patterns of activity, preferred temperature, and metabolic rate of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) juveniles. Activity patterns in the laboratory during their normal housing in plastic containers suggest that activity peaks near the transitions of light and dark phases, with smaller bouts of activity during the light phase. In a temperature gradient, movement patterns again suggest greater activity during the light phase, but no difference in preferred temperature between light and dark phases. Finally, preliminary data analysis suggests no obvious difference in resting metabolic rate between light and dark phases.