Discovering Fossilized Remains at the Shore: Is it a Bird Nest or a Turtle Nest?

What evidence could you look for to prove whether it is a bird nest or a turtle nest?

While at the shore, you and your friend Maria find a nest containing the fossilized remains of an animal. The nest, covered with sand, contains a skeleton and six preserved eggs. Maria believes you have discovered a bird nest. You believe it is a turtle nest. What other evidence could you look for to prove to Maria that it is a turtle nest not a bird nest?

Answer

Its d- Arrangement of bones in skeleton

When you and Maria find a nest containing fossilized remains at the shore, the task at hand is to determine whether it is a bird nest or a turtle nest. In this scenario, Maria thinks it is a bird nest while you believe it is a turtle nest. To prove your point to Maria, you can look for evidence that supports the idea of it being a turtle nest.

First and foremost, the arrangement of bones in the skeleton can be a decisive factor in identifying the nest's origin. Turtles have a distinct skeletal structure, especially their shells, which should be present in the fossilized remains. This would be a strong indication that the nest belongs to a turtle.

Additionally, the location of the nest and the way the eggs are laid can also provide valuable clues. Turtles typically lay their eggs on the shores, and the nests are buried in the sand to protect the eggs from external factors such as light, which can affect the hatchlings. On the other hand, birds usually lay their eggs in nests above ground, often in trees or bushes.

Furthermore, the number of eggs in the nest can be telling. Birds typically lay 2-3 eggs in a nest, while turtles lay a larger number ranging from 2-8 eggs. Since the nest you found contains six preserved eggs, this aligns more with the behavior of turtles rather than birds.

In conclusion, by examining the arrangement of bones in the skeleton, the location of the nest, and the number of eggs present, you can gather evidence to convince Maria that the nest you discovered is indeed a turtle nest and not a bird nest.