Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles

"Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles" by Hobart M. Smith is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. As part of the University of Kansas Publications series from the Museum of Natural History, this work explores specific anatomical anomalies observed in soft-shelled turtles, such as kyphosis, a condition that causes a humped appearance in the carapace of these reptiles. The book presents detailed findings from the examination of various soft-shelled turtle species, primarily focusing on three identified American species: "Amyda emoryi", "A. mutica", and "A. spinifera". Smith discusses the characteristics of kyphotic specimens, including their variations in size, shape, and the implications of these anomalies in relation to growth patterns and potential causes. Additionally, it touches on the anatomical distinctions within Soft-shelled Turtles, contributing to the understanding of their classification and taxonomy. The publication is valuable for researchers, herpetologists, and those interested in turtle biology. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hobart Muir Smith, born Frederick William Stouffer, was an American herpetologist. He is credited with describing more than 100 new species of American reptiles and amphibians. In addition, he has been honored by having at least six species named after him, including the southwestern blackhead snake, Smith's earth snake, Smith's arboreal alligator lizard, Hobart's anadia, Hobart Smith's anole, and Smith's rose-bellied lizard. At 100 years of age, Smith continued to be an active and productive herpetologist. Although he published on a wide range of herpetological subjects, his main focus throughout his career was on the amphibians and reptiles of Mexico, including taxonomy, bibliographies, and history. Having published more than 1,600 manuscripts, he surpassed all contemporaries and remains the most published herpetologist of all time.