Difference between revisions of "Colin Carlson"

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The breath and diving behavior of the turtles suggests an influence of habitat on these behaviors. For breath duration (Fig. 1), all turtles were slightly different, yet Jawless and Lafayette were more similar to eachother than to Snippy. This is also true of the distribution of dive durations for the three turtles (Fig. 2). A potential explanation of this difference is based on the depth of the water the turtles were inhabiting during the filming: whereas Jawless and Lafayette are in shallow water and so do not have to swim vertically as much as Snippy (who is in much deeper water), which may reduce the turtles' need to breath longer breaths.  
 
The breath and diving behavior of the turtles suggests an influence of habitat on these behaviors. For breath duration (Fig. 1), all turtles were slightly different, yet Jawless and Lafayette were more similar to eachother than to Snippy. This is also true of the distribution of dive durations for the three turtles (Fig. 2). A potential explanation of this difference is based on the depth of the water the turtles were inhabiting during the filming: whereas Jawless and Lafayette are in shallow water and so do not have to swim vertically as much as Snippy (who is in much deeper water), which may reduce the turtles' need to breath longer breaths.  
  
As to the actual relationship between breath and dive, I have found a strong relationship, especially for Snippy. These factors of breath and dive duration ultimately go hand in hand (Fig. 3). I have also statistically tested this fit, and found a strong positive correlation. Note that the order of the breaths is not significant: the fits are equally good for a breath and the preceding dive, and the breath and following dive.  
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As to the actual relationship between breath and dive, I have found a strong relationship, especially for Snippy. These factors of breath and dive duration ultimately go hand in hand (Fig. 3). I have also statistically tested this fit, and found a strong positive correlation. Note that the order of the breaths is not significant: the fits are equally good for a breath and the preceding dive, and the breath and following dive. These results have been statistically shown to be strongly significant.
  
 
[[Image:TherealSnippybreath&dive.jpg|thumb|right|Fig. 3: Time Plot, Breath and Dive Duration Over Time for Snippy (Blue Line = Dive Duration; Black Line = Breath Duration)]]  
 
[[Image:TherealSnippybreath&dive.jpg|thumb|right|Fig. 3: Time Plot, Breath and Dive Duration Over Time for Snippy (Blue Line = Dive Duration; Black Line = Breath Duration)]]  
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==Locomotion Analysis, Part 1: Pausing vs. Moving==
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==Locomotion Analysis, Part 2: Limb Frequency Cycles==
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==Locomotion Analysis, Part 3: Kinds of Locomotion==
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For these turtles, there are different methods of locomotion that can be differentiated into four behaviors: moving horizontally, swimming up, swimming down, and walking. To monitor limb frequency cycles differing between these behaviors, every bout of locomotion was recorded with the kind of behavior as well as limb cycle frequency. From an ANOVA it appears swimming horizontally for Snippy was significantly slower than swimming vertically (in either direction) and walking (Fig. 4). However, because Jawless is
  
 
==Current Analyses==
 
==Current Analyses==

Revision as of 21:44, 15 December 2008

Under construction.png This article is still under construction.
Expect it to change frequently until this notice is removed.

I am a first semester Honors junior in EEB, and I work with Tobias Landberg on a research project studying the behavior and morphology of the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), based on footage from a Crittercam project. The footage, collected over the summer, was from three turtles: Jawless and Lafayette from Wethersfield Cove, and Snippy from Shenipsit Lake. (see the snapping turtle research team page for the full story on the turtles). Also, for more information on Crittercam itself, visit National Geographic's Crittercam Homepage.

The purpose of this project is to analyze the behavior of the turtles based on the Crittercam data. This analysis encompasses the breath, dive, pausing, walking, and other aspects of locomotion of the three turtles.

Fig.2
Fig.1

Breath-Dive Analysis

The breath and diving behavior of the turtles suggests an influence of habitat on these behaviors. For breath duration (Fig. 1), all turtles were slightly different, yet Jawless and Lafayette were more similar to eachother than to Snippy. This is also true of the distribution of dive durations for the three turtles (Fig. 2). A potential explanation of this difference is based on the depth of the water the turtles were inhabiting during the filming: whereas Jawless and Lafayette are in shallow water and so do not have to swim vertically as much as Snippy (who is in much deeper water), which may reduce the turtles' need to breath longer breaths.

As to the actual relationship between breath and dive, I have found a strong relationship, especially for Snippy. These factors of breath and dive duration ultimately go hand in hand (Fig. 3). I have also statistically tested this fit, and found a strong positive correlation. Note that the order of the breaths is not significant: the fits are equally good for a breath and the preceding dive, and the breath and following dive. These results have been statistically shown to be strongly significant.

Fig. 3: Time Plot, Breath and Dive Duration Over Time for Snippy (Blue Line = Dive Duration; Black Line = Breath Duration)

Locomotion Analysis, Part 1: Pausing vs. Moving

Locomotion Analysis, Part 2: Limb Frequency Cycles

Locomotion Analysis, Part 3: Kinds of Locomotion

For these turtles, there are different methods of locomotion that can be differentiated into four behaviors: moving horizontally, swimming up, swimming down, and walking. To monitor limb frequency cycles differing between these behaviors, every bout of locomotion was recorded with the kind of behavior as well as limb cycle frequency. From an ANOVA it appears swimming horizontally for Snippy was significantly slower than swimming vertically (in either direction) and walking (Fig. 4). However, because Jawless is

Current Analyses

Right now, I've finished analyzing breathing rates for all three turtles and a simple analysis of diving vs. pausing, and the data on limb locomotion rates for Jawless; results for this turtle indicate a sort of escape response, with high initial locomotion rates that steadily decline over time. I intend to continue this analysis for the other two turtles. Ultimately, this is intended to create a full time-scale chart that records the activity of the turtles at any given time, as well as the duration of these events, and for locomotion, the number of limb movements. This data will be analyzed in the hopes of finding trends in the behavior of the turtles.

Labirintus3.jpg Questions or comments can be sent to Colin.Carlson@UConn.edu