oldest tortoise in the world live in Australia.Why live?She died not long ago.Everything used to be coming to an end.In this article, we will tell you about the life of this famous turtles, as well as its possible "successor".The world should know its heroes, as they say, in the face!
contemporary of Charles Darwin
once lived in an Australian zoo true contemporary of the famous naturalist named Charles Darwin, who is known for the discovery of the theory of human evolution.The oldest tortoise in the world, known as Harriet was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the creature lived in captivity 175 years!Just think: in captivity!It is hard to imagine how much it has changed owners, the very first of which was none other than the founder of the theory of evolution, Charles Darwin!
life story ...
Birthday
October 11, 2005 this giant elephant, as well as the oldest tortoise in the world celebrated its 175th anniversary birthday.Harriet was born in the days of Queen Victoria, when she was a child, namely in 1830.Surprisingly, the first 124 years of life the tortoise took over the male.
Who is the owner?
Interestingly, British paleontologists who conducted a very thorough reconstruction of the last tortoise, believe that it is not caught Darwin, as usual whalers as a power source.In addition, the hypothesis that the oldest tortoise in the world belonged to Darwin, is based only on the fact that the scientist caught four giant birds during his trip to the Galapagos Islands (1835).Allegedly among them was Harriet.
Soon, two of the four turtles have died, the other two were transported by ship to Australia one of the friends of Charles Darwin.Further analysis of the DNA showed that Harriet is likely to occur with a native of the island called Santa Cruz (Galapagos).
Wrongfully Accused
oldest turtle are the main attractions of Queensland zoo over the past 30 years!Investigation of its DNA indicates that it should in any case not less than 170 years.Today, scientists believe that on this planet there are about 12 of her relatives - giant elephant turtles.Moreover, zoologists accused Harriet is a small population!They argue that the rest of his life in the world's oldest tortoise kept fertility: it still ovulate, but was not "groom" ...
quietly and modestly
According to the stories of keepers of the zoo premises,which is home to the turtle, her favorite food was hibiscus flowers.In addition, she ate eggplant, zucchini, parsley and beans and led a modest lifestyle.
Harriet died in 2005 on the Galapagos Islands.She was 175 years old.
Continued dynasty
According to unofficial data, valid as of October 2011, the world's oldest tortoise is considered one male Jonathan, who lives on the island of St. Helena.He alleged today celebrated 180 years.However, this information is not accurate, because DNA Jonathan conducted by scientists the world can not give us the exact figures.
say that Jonathan is still a force to mate with three females.Interestingly, this turtle is a contemporary 8-monarchs of Britain and its 50 prime ministers!
