Measuring pH and Eh of green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) dissected digestive organs

Alternative Title

pH, Eh Gut Chelonia

Creator

John C. OgdenFollow

Files

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Creation Date

11-1-1977

Abstract

Photograph of researchers measuring the pH (potential of hydrogen) and Eh (redox potential) of the dissected digestive organs of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). The digestive organs, including the stomach and intestines, are laid out on the right side of the photograph. The digestive tract of the turtle measured 18.5 meters when fully laid out. A pH and Eh measuring probe is seen inserted into the first digestive organ from the left. The probe is connected to a measuring device, seen on the left side of the photograph. Green sea turtles are the only species of sea turtles that are primarily herbivorous, eating mostly seagrasses and algae. By measuring the pH levels of the turtle's digestive organs, researchers could investigate how its digestive system functions to support this herbivorous diet. They found that the stomach was acidic with a pH of 4.9 and that the intestines had pH levels of approximately 5 to 6. The green sea turtle was purchased by the researchers from indigenous Miskito fishermen and then scientifically dissected. The Miskito people are a Central American indigenous people who have historically hunted sea turtles around the area of the Miskito Cays, Nicaragua. This photograph was taken near the Miskito Cays, Nicaragua during the research expedition of Dr. John C. Ogden and his colleagues to Miskito Bank, Nicaragua aboard the R/V [Research Vessel] Alpha Helix from October 13, 1977 to November 18, 1977 where their research included studies on seagrasses, fish, sea urchins, and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Keywords

Marine biology--Research, Miskito Coast (Nicaragua and Honduras), Green sea turtle--Digestive organs--Dissection, pH (Chemistry)--Testing

Extent

2 x 2 inches cardboard projector slide with Kodachrome 35mm color photographic film

Physical Collection

Dr. John Ogden Caribbean and Coral Reef collection

Digital Date

2023

Media Type

Color slides

Identifier

O19-00046

Recommended Citation

Ogden, John C., "Measuring pH and Eh of green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) dissected digestive organs" (1977). Binder 4: Photographs and Images. Image 40.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ogden_images/40