Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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How to Survive an Alligator! I occasionally drop by my local pet store To check out what chelonia species are up for sale. Now and then, on a whim, I 'rescue' a specimen, catching my fancy. Recently, I inquired about two Yellow bellied turtles (Pseudemys scripta scripta) Which had remained in the store for weeks. After making a 'deal', homeward they went with me. With a dark carapace, a yellow streak slicing each scute, And a bright yellow plastron, I found them quietly attractive to the eye. Sussing them out from my comprehensive 'Encyclopedia of Turtles' , I discovered about their southeastern US range, But most interestingly, the heavy shell of this species, Perhaps evolved to be resistant to their cohabitating alligators, Enabling that they might survive the potential cracking And inevitable consumption by their crocodilian neighbors. So many subtle examples of selection through the evolutionary process, Which, with some examination, become evident to the studious mind. Frank Maurer 5 June 2024 0800 Hours.