Biologists from the National University of Singapore have discovered Chinese soft-shelled turtles pass waste through their mouths.
The unusual finding was discovered when scientists analyzed samples of the water and found it contained urea. Researchers first observed the odd habit while studying how this turtle is capable of holding its breath for so long. They noticed that the turtle would frequently dip its head in the water to rinse out its mouth. Upon closer inspection, researchers found they were actually releasing urea.
Whilst I am sure we all don’t envy the Chinese turtle, it is a remarkable adaption for life in brackish water. This way, they can expel urea without having to drink too much salty water. When the water is too salty, they can just pass their waste by rinsing their mouth in this specialized way.
[Source: Animal Planet]