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Extinction- some animals died and they aren't here anymore. The animals dies because the weather changed and the land got too hot. The animals needed water and food to stay alive. Some tiger, I think the saber tooth tiger has gone extinct. The spinney-shelled turtle is endangered. Why? Is it related to any animal that is now extinct?

Sean Bell replies: I am assuming that you are asking about soft-shelled turtles, which are definitely endangered in some places. The main reason is humans eating them, and habitat loss. I don't think that soft-shell turtles have any very different extinct relatives, but there are lots of soft-shell turtle species that have gone extinct. There even used to be soft-shelled turtles and giant tortoises living on the prairies after the dinosaurs died, but climate changes 30 or so million years ago caused them to go extinct in our area.

Spiney Soft Shelled Turtle

I drew this turtle because I like turtles ans this one is endangered.

Hi Kaycee, Did you know that turtles are omnivours. They eat insects, plants, amphibians and sometimes small mammals. What do you think would happen to the insect population if there were no more turtles? What do you think would happen to the animals that eat turtles, like raccoons, if turtles were extinct? Do you think this might effect humans in any way? Ms. R-M

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