Wow, some turtles can breathe (while submerged) through their cloaca

Amazing, as Neatorama PS-es: “Superhero idea: a teenager is bitten by a radioactive turtle. He develops this ability, among other turtle-based superpowers.”

Whether the turtle breathes air or water depends on which avenue is open. For lung ventilation, the turtle, with its head out of the water, opens its glottis and air passes in and out its lungs; for cloacal irrigation while submerged, the turtle opens its anal spincter and water passes in and out of its cloaca. – Life in A Shell, page 22

See Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal