Sea Turtle : Introduction, Classification, Characteristics

Sea Turtle

Introduction

Sea turtles are a group of marine reptiles. These creatures evolved before the dinosaurs and existed for millions of years. They are well adapted to survive in the ocean and play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. There are seven species of sea turtles namely Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Kemps Ridley, Olive Ridley, and Flatback.

Sea turtles are found in all the oceans of the world. Along with this, it is also found in some seas and gulfs. These turtles are known for their unique adaptations, including their streamlined body shape as well as powerful flippers, and the ability to hold their breath for long periods while diving. Sea turtles are also known for their distinctive shells, which are composed of bony plates covered by a layer of skin and scales.

These fascinating creatures are often threatened by human activities such as pollution, development, and overfishing. Many sea turtle populations have declined significantly in recent years, with some species now classified as endangered or critically endangered. To save the existence of these ancient creatures, we need to make many efforts, including preventing nesting, protecting beaches, reducing plastic pollution, and controlling fishing practices.

Classification

Kingdom   -       Animalia 

Phylum      -       Chordata

Class          -      Reptilia 

Order         -      Testudines

Family       -      Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae

Genus        -      The genus name of each species of sea turtle is determined by their physical characteristics and other factors.

Specie  -  There are seven species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley, and flatback. Each species has its own distinct characteristics, geographic range, and conservation status.

Characteristics

Sea turtles are well adapted to life in the ocean and have many unique characteristics that allow them to survive in this environment. Here are some of the most notable Characteristics of sea turtles-

1. Sea turtles have a streamlined body shape that helps them move quickly and efficiently through the water. Their shells are flat and oval-shaped, and their limbs are modified into powerful flippers.

2. Male and female adult sea turtles are approximately the same size.

3. The flippers of sea turtles are specially adapted for swimming. They are long and paddle-like, with a series of bones that enable them to move up and down in the water.

4. Sea turtles have a hard, bony shell that protects them from predators and environmental hazards. This shell is made up of two parts – the Carapace (upper shell) and the Plastron (lower shell).

5. The skin of sea turtles is covered with large and hard scales, which protect them from external attacks.

6. Sea turtles have a special gland near their eyes that helps excrete excess salt from their bodies, allowing them to live in saltwater environments. The name of this gland is the Lachrymal salt glands.

7. Sea turtles are long-lived animals. In some species, their age can be up to 80 years or more.

8. Sea turtles can see well underwater but are short-sighted on land.

9. Many sea turtles make epic migrations because migration habits can vary not only within species but also between different populations of the same species. Some sea turtle populations nest in the same area where they feed, while other species travel large distances between nesting sites and feeding sites.

10. Female sea turtles return to the beaches to lay their own eggs. They dig nests in the sand and deposit their eggs, which then hatch several weeks later.

Sexual dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism refers to the physical differences between male and female individuals of the same species. In sea turtles, there are some noticeable differences between males and females, including:

1. In most species of sea turtles, females are significantly larger than males. Because females need to have enough body mass to carry and lay their eggs.

2. The tails of male sea turtles are longer and thicker than the tails of females.

3. Males have longer and thicker claws on their front flippers, which they use to hold onto the female during mating.

Sea turtles are a group of fascinating and important marine reptiles that have been around for millions of years. There are seven species of sea turtles, each with its own distinctive characteristics and geographic ranges. These ancient creatures play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and are well-adapted to life at sea. 

However, sea turtles are threatened by several human activities, including pollution, development, and overfishing, and many populations have declined significantly in recent years. Conservation efforts, including protecting nesting beaches, reducing plastic pollution, and regulating fishing practices, are necessary to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures. By working to protect sea turtles and their habitats, we can help preserve these ancient and important animals for generations to come.

FAQs

1. Can sea turtles live up to 500 years?

Yes, some sea turtles live up to 500 years. The oldest known sea turtle is a leatherback turtle, which is estimated to be over 200 years old. Sea turtles can live so long because they have a slow metabolism and are relatively resistant to disease.

2. How many hearts do sea turtles have?

Sea turtles have only one heart. They are different from other reptiles, which have three Hearts. A sea turtle's Heart is located in the center of its body and protected by its shell.

3. How do sea turtles lay eggs?

Sea turtles lay eggs on beaches. They come ashore at night and dig a nest in the sand using their slippers. They lay about 100 eggs in this nest and then cover them with sand. From which babies emerge after about two months. 

4. How long can sea turtles live?

Sea turtles live for hundreds of years. The average lifespan of a sea turtle is about 50 years. However, some sea turtles can live longer than 200 years.

5. Do sea turtles have lungs?

Yes, sea turtles have lungs. They breathe air just like humans. However, sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for just two hours. With this, they can travel long distances to find food.