Evaluation of Siamese Twins of Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758

Year 2023, Volume: 7 Issue: 2, 39 - 43, 07.09.2023

Ayfer Şirin , Serdar Düşen , Eyup Başkale

https://doi.org/10.26650/tjbc.1250401

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, the morphological features of common tortoise (Testudo graeca Linnaeus, 1758) found in the Pamukkale ruins and determined to be two-headed Siamese twins, were investigated using computed tomography. Material and Methods: The size and weight of the twin tortoise were measured and placed under care in a terrarium similar to their natural habitat. The anatomical features of the two headed Siamese twins were evaluated by three-dimensional volumetric computed tomography. Results: The Siamese twins combined from the end of the shell have 4 anterior extremities and 2 posterior extremities. Even though tortoises were conjoined, they were reacting independently, but had to move together due to their abnormal shell structures. The Siamese twins weighed 13.2 grams when they were found. They survived 47 days in the terrarium. The tomography scanning showed that that one of the twins was fused from the 7th vertebrae and the other from the 8th vertebrae. Although the internal organ structure is not clear, it has been observed that they use a shared cloaca. Conclusion: The anomalies rarely seen in reptiles can be caused by many factors, including environmental and genetic factors.

Keywords

Anatomy, Computed tomography, Common tortoise, Pamukkale ruins, Siamese twins

Thanks

We would like to thank the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 5th Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Denizli Nature Conservation and National Parks Branch Directorate and its staff for the transportation of the tortoises to Pamukkale University Animal Ecology Research Laboratory, and Veterinarian Caner Can and the Can Veterinary Clinic team for their support to the study.

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