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1. North American Tortoise Species
NTRODUCTION
Distribution of the four extant North American tortoise species have allopatric ranges which occur in
three distinctive regions (Figure 1) (Bury and Germano, 1994). The extant gopher tortoise
(Gopherus polyphemus) (Figure 2) species is a terrestrial reptile native to the southeastern United
States and is recognized as an endangered species. Their burrows provide shelter for more than 350
other animal groups designating them as a keystone species of longleaf pine forests (Natural
Resources Conservation Service, 2017).
Paleontological evidence was compiled to differentiate between extant species to generalize the
lineage of testudinid turtles. Lamb and Lydeard (1994) describes the study of molecular phylogeny
within the testudinoidea lineage by obtaining blood and muscles samples to isolate genomic DNA
and compare mtDNA sequence variation. The above mentioned scientists examined distinct
assemblages of the four extant gopher tortoise species: Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus),
gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), and the Texas tortoise
(Gopherus ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
It is noticeable smooth which could reflect abrasions as the individual entered or exited burrows.
This fossilized tortoise appears to be a female with a small intact gular projection and a shallow
concave plastron. Marked concavity of the plastron, thickened anal scutes, and elongate gular
projections denote male classification (Douglass and Layne, 1978). Enlarged gular projections are a
sex characteristic and used in male–male combat during mating season. Growth rings on the scutes
of the CCNHM–1710 plastron were not visible however, due to the carapace length of CCNHM–
1710, it can be suggested that it reached sub adulthood giving it a better chance of survival and
would be dark in color (Rostal, McCoy, & Mushinsky,
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5. Desert Tortoise Research Paper
Slide 2 Color: They have six–sided shells which range in color from dull yellow, to greenish–tan, to
brown and have a high dome. The limbs and head are usually brown or grey in color. Size / Weight
Range Range: They weigh 8 to 15 pounds and their approximate height is 4 to 6 inches. The average
length of a desert tortoise is about 10 to 14 inches long, although the males do grow slightly longer
on average. Hatchlings are only 2 to 2 1/2 inches. A desert tortoise has a unique shape, and can't be
mistaken for anything else native to its range, although introduced tortoise species can complicate
this. Group: The desert tortoise is considered part of the testudinidae (tortoise) family, but before
this in the list of biological classification, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The desert tortoise is widely spread across the Mojave desert and Sonoran desert of the
southwestern United States and the northwestern part of Mexico, especially the Sinaloan thornscrub,
western Arizona, southeastern California, southern Nevada and southwestern Utah. Desert tortoise
inhabits areas covered with creosote bushes, rocky canyons, semi–arid grasslands and hillsides. It
usually lives on the altitude of 1000 to 3000 feet, but it can survive even on the elevation of 5000
feet. Some even live in Death Valley. No other type of tortoise faces the same kind of extreme
conditions due to habitat that the desert tortoise does. The extremely high and low temperatures
force the desert tortoise to adapt. To survive in the harsh desert climate, the tortoise estivates
(remains underground in its burrow) during the hottest times of the day in the summer and
hibernates (sleeps underground in its burrow) through the winter. Tortoises come out in the spring to
eat grasses and wildflowers and drink water from the spring rains. They store water within
themselves and use it through the dry months while water is not available. In the spring, they
socialize and look for
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9. Gopher Tortoise Research Paper
There are four species of tortoise that are located on the North America continent only the gopher
tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) can be found in the southeastern portion of the United States. The
gopher tortoise reside only from the south end of South Carolina to the eastern side of Louisiana
(McCoy et al, 1993). They are federally protect because they are on the brink of extinction. A
collaborate piece published by the University of Notre Dame found, in the past decade about 80% of
the gopher tortoise has cease to exist starting form urbanization to natural disasters (as cite in
Hermann et al., 2002). In the Florida Atlantic University's preserve the gopher tortoise's eggs are
eaten by coyotes, snakes, cats, and some other carnivorous animals. Gopher tortoise can live as long
as 60 years. They are ectothermic so they favor places with direct sunlight. Joan E. Diemer agrees
that the gopher tortoise most optimal habitat would consist of loose soil for digging burrows,
vegetation for food, and plenty of sunlight (as cited in Auffenberg and Franz, 1982; Hallinan, 1923;
Landers, 1980). Besides, being ectothermic their diet consist of mainly grass (herbivores). The
gopher tortoise is important because like gopher they dig burrows. ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
The cameras has the ability to take night pictures without flashes to not scare away the subjects
being take a picture of. The active burrows in each area were randomly picked. The camera was
positioned toward the entrance of the burrow. Each camera has GPS tracking. This lets us know
specifically where the gopher tortoise are located in the preserve. The specific date we collected data
was on January 6th to the 16th. The data included the times, date, and species that appeared in the
download pictures from the memory cards taken from all 20 of the
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13. A Report On The Solar Farm
Executive Summary
A 20GWh per year solar farm has been designed in this assignment. It is located at Yuma city of
Arizona in the United Sates. Yuma city has 313 days of sunshine and it is very good for solar
electricity generation. The solar farm will be installed at a desert region. There are two reasons, 1.
Reducing the environment impact. 2. Lower cost of land acquisition.
The tilt angle of solar panel strongly affects the electricity generation. To finding the annual
maximum power output, three different angles have been calculated. 32.6° is the best angle for solar
electricity generation in Yuma city. Setting at 32.6°, the solar farm can generate 23,983,400kWh per
year from 56,000 solar modules. Furthermore, the solar farm footprint ... Show more content on
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If the lifetime of solar farm is 25 year, the costs can significantly be cut down to US$4.78 cents in
sixteenth–year and US$5.61 cents in twenty–fifth–year.
In order to encourage deployment rate of solar cell, many governments use feed–in tariffs (FITs)
program. Due to high initial investment of solar cell, it can shorten the time to reach the break–even
point. On the other hand, solar farm regulations in Arizona, it is required permits. The schedule of
requiring permits takes 24 to 34 months and 12 kinds of permit are needed. 1. Design a Solar Farm
1–1. Selection of Geographic Location
According to National Climatic Data Center, the sunniest state is Arizona in the United Sates, which
is 193 clear days pre year.(1) Yuma City where in State of Arizona has 313 days of sunshine. This
climatic condition is good for solar power generation. In order to reduce the environment impact, a
desert region is a proper choice. There are two more benefits. The cost of land is much cheaper than
urban area. In addition, there is no any shelter nearby. Nevertheless, solar farms have to be
maintained regularly. If install a solar farm at an isolated location, it will be hard to maintenance. A
location of photovoltaic farm has been chosen as Figure 2. It is situated in a desert region for
decreasing the environment impact and next to a road for maintenance easily. Figure 1. Map of
United States(2) Figure 2. Location of photovoltaic farm(2)
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17. A Member Of The Zygophyllaceae
A member of the Zygophyllaceae (caltrop) family, the creosote bush, Larrea tridentata, belongs to a
flowering–plant family of more than 250 members worldwide, many of which are native to desert
regions. Creosote bush is abundant in three of the four North American deserts, i.e. the Mojave, the
Sonoran, and the Chihuahuan Deserts. In the United States, L. tridentata occurs in the states of
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
Most Agassiz's desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii, regardless of the specific locality they inhabit,
live in a type of desert biome known as creosote bush scrub. Dominated by the creosote bush, this
ecosystem also features vegetation such as Ambrosia dumosa (white bur–sage), Ambrosia salsola ...
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While conducting research on desert tortoise burrows, a team of scientists documented 31 species as
commensals (Walde, Walde, Delaney, & Pater, 2009). However, it is likely that many more species
share the shelter of the tortoise's burrow.
With the "camphor–like" fragrance of the resinous coating on its leaves that volatilizes when rainfall
occurs, the creosote bush imparts a fresh, pleasant "smell of rain" to the parched desert ecosystems it
inhabits (Flores, 2013). On the contrary, the pesticide/wood preservative creosote oil is a petroleum–
based product that has nothing to do with the desert shrub creosote bush. Creosote oil is a toxic
substance distilled from coal tar and used to preserve railroad crossties, marine and foundation
timbers, and the like.
Identification
A slow–growing evergreen shrub with a wide distribution in the North American deserts, L.
tridentata is first and foremost a shelter source, providing shade and cover for numerous desert
organisms, both flora and fauna.
An extremely long–lived shrub, each individual plant may live as long as 100 to 200 years. The wild
creosote bush typically reaches a height of 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.4 meters) with an equal spread.
The
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21. Grow Temperature Research Paper
Discussion
This study depicted that common wombat burrows provide a constant temperature 1–2m from the
entrance within four different habitats – open field, forested, short ground cover and sandy bank –
during both summer and autumn. However, noticeable differences in the temperatures between the
seasons were observed. Although, this was expected as the insulating properties of the soil stop
daily, but not seasonal, fluctuations in temperature from a depth of approximately 0.30cm
(Reichman & Smith 1990), with the main factors that did influence burrow temperatures being time
of day, elevation during summer and aspect during autumn. There are few studies in the literature
that display the influences of elevation and aspect on burrow temperatures so these may present
novel findings that might impact burrow location or use. The general outcome that burrow
temperatures remain constant while temperatures outside the burrow fluctuate, however, is
supported in many studies of different species. Shimmin et al ... Show more content on
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These stable temperatures within the burrow coincide with many previous studies conducted on
other burrowing animals, with all studies agreeing that the temperatures are constant daily but have
a gradual seasonal change. This presents strong evidence that burrows maintain a consistent
microhabitat that is effective in providing shelter from weather extremes, thereby allowing burrows
to be regarded as an appropriate mechanism of thermal tolerance. The influence temperature has on
wombat behaviour cannot be fully addressed due to the declining wombat population at the study
site, however, it may be attributed to the small ambient temperature ranges that were experienced
not having a significant impact on wombat presence in this
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25. Write An Argumentative Essay On Desert Tortoises
Desert turtles are "lifelong" pets, according to Sara Garcia and her article "The Man Behind
MUTTS: October 2017". If anyone has wanted a turtle then they should know it takes a lots of care
and work. Desert Tortoises can live to be 60 years of age or longer. When they're not at a house, and
live by themselves in the wild, then they live in burrows (Garcia). According to the U.S Fish and
Wildlife Service and their official website Mojave Desert Tortoise, desert tortoises that live in the
desert usually spend 95% of their life underground. As they grow up they walk about ¾ a miles a
day. Tortoises that live in in the desert have been around for Bantu 1 million years (Garcia). When
they live with someone the turtles can longer than ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
There's two layer and the shell underneath is much lighter than the one on top. When they feel
threatened they put their head, arms, and legs inside their shell. When males head bob then that
means they're being aggressive, while females can too (Service). According to Heidi Martinez and
her video "Quick Facts About the Desert Tortoises and Adorable Video!", the tortoise can grow to as
long 24–51 pounds. Females lay around 1–14 eggs. Unless there was no rainfall throughout a year
it's likely that they won't have any eggs. They build nests and the hatching starts after 90–120 days.
Once the mother has them then she leaves and the eggs are alone. Tortoises usually hibernate about
9 months. They use bushes to help the, with protection and shade etc. When they live in burrows it's
around 18 inches underground. This helps them when it's cold or hot. Their burrows could scatter
across a "landscape" and it's sometimes shared with others. Most people do not see tortoises that live
in the desert because they all go under ground
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29. How Does Polyphemus Influence Greek Mythology?
Greek mythology is seemingly endless and highly interconnected. There are many roles and aspects
to Greek mythology which at times appear complicated. Poseidon's son, Polyphemus, plays a minor
yet still impactful part in the Ancient Greek culture, and as a result, has influenced modern society
today. Polyphemus is the son of Poseidon and Thoosa. However, he is a cyclops which is a "... a
mythical semi–human monster of huge proportions, with a single eye at the centre of his forehead"
("Polyphemus"). According to the article, "Polyphemus" on pantheon.org, Polyphemus lived with
other cyclopes on an island presumed to be Sicily, but they lived solitary lives ("Polyphemus").
Despite their isolated nature, Polyphemus was almost considered a chief or representative of the
other cyclopes. They are well–known for neglecting agriculture and having no laws or political
systems, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Polyphemus's main influence has been on the way animals are classified. There are numerous
species which have "polyphemus" in their name as a reference to the Greek monster. For example,
"The polyphemus moth... is named after Polyphemus, the giant cyclops from Greek mythology who
had a single large, round, eye in the middle of his forehead...The name is because of the large
eyespots in the middle of the hind wings" (Hall). Another species would be the gopher tortoise
(Gopherus polyphemus). Polyphemus has been depicted in many poems, plays, paintings, and some
movies from both the past and modern times. He "became a favorite of...poets...inspiring a play"
(Gill). The play is known as "The Cyclops". Some poems, though less mordern, he was in include
"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and "The Blinding of Polyphemus" by Robert Dickerson.
Polyphemus's iconic brutality, arrogance, and unique appearance as well as his part in the Odyssey
are reasons why he was able to impact society in such a
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33. A Study On Design A Solar Farm
1. Design a Solar Farm
1–1. Selection of Geographic Location
According to National Climatic Data Center, the sunniest state is Arizona in United Sates, which is
193 clear days pre year.(1) Yuma City where in Arizona State has 313 days of sunshine. This
climatic condition is good for solar power generation. In order to reduce the environment impact, a
desert region is a proper choice. There are two more benefits. The cost of land is much cheaper then
urban area. In addition, there is no any shelter nearby. Nevertheless, solar farms have to be
maintained regularly. If install a solar farm at an isolated location, it will be hard to maintenance. A
location of photovoltaic farm has been chosen as Figure 2. It is situated in a desert region for
decreasing the environment impact and next to a road for maintenance easily. Figure 1. Map of
United States(2) Figure 2. Location of photovoltaic farm(2)
1–2. Selection of Photovoltaic Module
In this assignment, the solar cell module that made by Neo Solar Power (NSP) will be chosen. NSP
is one of the biggest solar cell manufacturers in the world. It produces high–quality and high–
efficiency solar cell modules. The key specifications(3) of D6M_B3A 255W photovoltaic module
are:
– Maximum power voltage: 30.09V
– Maximum power current: 8.48A
– Module efficiency: 15.7%
– Maximum power output: 255W
– Temperature coefficient of Pmax: –0.427%/°C (From 20°C) Figure 3. Dimensions of D6M_B3A
255W Photovoltaic Module
1–3. A unit of
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37. The Importance Of Leniency On Permit Requirements
Leniency on Permit Requirements Then, FWC's permit requirements are lenient on agriculture,
silviculture, and in the 10 or Fewer On–Site permit. Agricultural activities such as tilling, planting,
harvesting, and roller chopping do not require a permit even if there are gopher tortoise burrows in
the area ("Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines", 2017). The same guidelines are applicable for
silviculture, even though silviculture activities have the possibility of degrading the habitat type
tortoises require. The 10 or Fewer On–Site permit is forgiving for what is considered suitable habitat
left on–site. Suitable habitat on–site is defined as "set–aside areas that are not disturbed by
construction activities and provides a safe ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Relocating wildlife can cause stress (and thus compromise their immune system), expose them to an
area where they have no experience, expose them up to territory disputes, expose them to the risk
that recipient sites may not be completely suitable, and spread disease ("Relocating Wildlife", n.d.).
"Although RRT [Relocation, Repatriation, and Translocation] programs may work under certain
circumstances, they should not be used unless all parties involved are prepared to make the
necessary commitment" (Dodd and Seigel, 1991, p. 347). If relocations are going to be a primary
conservation effort for the gopher tortoise, then increasing research on relocated gopher tortoise
populations must be a priority. Overall, the FWC's management goal is to increase the gopher
tortoise population. So, information on the long–term welfare of the relocated populations is
imperative. The downsides to the long–term data collection and research required is the resources
needed. Lack of Research and Data Next, inadequate data is a hinderance to the proper management
of the gopher tortoise. The management plan estimates that Florida's current gopher tortoise habitat
is 3.3 million acres, with an estimated 785,000 gopher tortoises ("Gopher Tortoise Management
Plan", 2012). However, the data presented in the 2012 Gopher Tortoise Management Plan was
calculated from GIS data that was collected in 2003. This is problematic considering that
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