filibusterfrog:

make-them-laugh:

filibusterfrog:

make-them-laugh:

filibusterfrog:

living islands

That is so cool! Do they eventually migrate into the water in part because of the massive weight of their shells? So their surface area allows the water to help support them and their poor knees?

Also do they travel? Or do they root themselves in place? They’re so cool!!!!

yes!! the ocean lessens their heavy load. Furthermore, they seem to enjoy seeing new places but by the time they’ve reached maturity they move so slowly you can hardly tell they’re moving. this not only conserves energy but also gives the biome on their shells time to adapt to different temperatures!

That’s so cool! And they all probably have different ecosystems and local fauna on their backs too, I’m guessing? So no two living islands are alike!

very much so. In an isolated case, one fully matured (and particularly strong) island never set foot in the water, deciding instead to remain on dry land. All reports say she still roams the desert today! (which desert, however, manages to remain a closely guarded secret)