- Why in News? A rare two-headed diamondback terrapin hatchling was discovered at a protected nesting site in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, in September 2026.
- Species: Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
- Rare Condition: The two heads are caused by bicephaly, a rare developmental anomaly.
- Weight: The hatchling weighs approximately 5.2 grams.
- Rescue and Monitoring: It was brought to the Cape Wildlife Center by the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and is being monitored by veterinary experts.
- Habitat: Diamondback terrapins inhabit brackish waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.
- Conservation Status: The species is listed as threatened in Massachusetts.
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about diamondback terrapins:
- They are turtles adapted to brackish-water habitats.
- They are found naturally along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.
- They are exclusively freshwater turtles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Q2. The term bicephaly, in the context of a two-headed turtle, refers to:
- (a) The development of two tails
- (b) The presence of two heads
- (c) The absence of a shell
- (d) The development of two pairs of limbs
Answer: (b) The presence of two heads.
Q3. Which of the following habitats is most closely associated with diamondback terrapins?
- (a) Alpine lakes
- (b) Brackish coastal marshes and estuaries
- (c) Deep ocean waters
- (d) High-altitude deserts
Answer: (b) Brackish coastal marshes and estuaries.
Ravi Raaz
Hassan Khan
Shadab Ali