Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles

Name: Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles
Author: Hobart M. Smith

By Hobart M. Smith

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Nature/Gardening/Animals Science - Biology

About This Book

The paper documents hump-backed (kyphotic) conditions in soft-shelled turtles from both Asia and North America and describes three kyphotic skeletons from a university collection representing three American species. Measurements compare height/width ratios of abnormal versus normal shells and report variation in neural and costal elements. The author proposes that premature fusion (ankylose) of costal plates to ribs during late embryonic or early post-embryonic development could produce disproportionate vertebral growth and the hump, and notes that variability in neurals and costals weakens taxonomic distinctions based solely on costal counts. The cause of the anomaly remains unresolved and further study is recommended.

About the Author

Hobart M. Smith

Hobart M. Smith was a notable herpetologist recognized for his contributions to the study of reptiles and amphibians. His research focused on various species, particularly within the context of hybridization and morphological variations. Among his significant works is "Hybridization Between Two Species of Garter Snakes," which explores genetic interactions between snake species. Smith also examined the anatomical variations in turtles, as seen in "Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles," and contributed to the understanding of amphibian development with his study on the tadpoles of Bufo cognatus. His scholarly work has enriched the field of herpetology and continues to be referenced by researchers.