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What are Sea Turtles?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Sea turtles are reptiles in the superfamily Chelonioidea. They are also sometimes referred to as “marine turtles,” referencing the fact that they have adapted to live primarily in the marine environment. All seven living species of sea turtle are endangered, and conservation efforts all over the world are attempting to prevent the extinction of sea turtles. The loss of sea turtles would not just be a blow to biodiversity: sea turtles are also important for the health of the world's oceans.

Like other turtles, sea turtles have a hard shell into which they can retreat. Their front legs have adapted into a flipper-like form which allows them to swim rapidly and efficiently, and their bodies are slightly flattened to reduce resistance in the water. Some sea turtles can also use their flippers for climbing.

A sea turtle swimming.
A sea turtle swimming.

The sea turtle has developed a respiratory system which allows it to dive and stay underwater for as long as five minutes. Depending on the turtle's level of activity and stress, it may need to surface sooner for air. Sea turtles breathe in explosively, filling their lungs with enough air to supply them during dives. They have also adapted to reduce the risk of developing decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” a common problem for human divers who dive or ascend too quickly.

Sea turtles live primarily in the marine environment.
Sea turtles live primarily in the marine environment.

Sea turtles feed on other marine life and seagrass, a flowering plant which is widespread in the world's oceans. They can be found in every ocean except the Arctic, coming to land to lay their eggs once they reach the age of 30. Sea turtles are especially vulnerable during egg laying, since many are slow and ungainly on land, and the eggs may be broken by unwitting walkers or viewed as a tasty snack by numerous predators. Once the eggs hatch, the young make their way to the ocean and begin their aquatic lives.

Sea turtles feed on seagrass, ensuring that the plant doesn't overwhelm the ocean floor.
Sea turtles feed on seagrass, ensuring that the plant doesn't overwhelm the ocean floor.

The seven species of sea turtle are: loggerheads, green sea turtles, flatbacks, hawksbills, leatherbacks, olive ridleys, and Kemp's Ridleys. The smallest sea turtles reach a length of around 30 inches (76 centimeters), while the largest can exceed six feet (two meters). Sea turtles live for up to 80 years, and once they reach their maturity, they are difficult for predators to kill, thanks to their hard shells. They are vulnerable, however, to trawling and a variety of other human activities, along with changes in the marine environment such as coral bleaching and nutrient pollution.

Sea turtles help to maintain the marine environment by feeding on seagrass, ensuring that this aquatic plant stays cropped and does not overwhelm the ocean floor. They also contribute to beach health by aerating the sand and providing nutrients for beach plants with their unhatched eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main characteristics of sea turtles?

Sea turtles are marine reptiles known for their streamlined shells and paddle-like flippers, which enable them to navigate through the water with ease. They have a unique adaptation in their salt glands, which helps them expel excess salt from their bodies. Unlike land turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their heads or flippers into their shells.

How many species of sea turtles are there?

There are seven species of sea turtles: the green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley, and flatback. Each species has distinct physical characteristics and habitat preferences. For instance, the leatherback is the largest and only species without a hard shell, sporting a leathery carapace instead.

What do sea turtles eat?

Sea turtles have varied diets depending on their species. Green turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae. Hawksbills consume sponges and invertebrates, while loggerheads eat mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. Leatherbacks have a specialized diet of jellyfish. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

How long do sea turtles live?

Sea turtles have long lifespans, with many species living 50 years or more. The exact lifespan can be difficult to determine, but it's estimated that some individuals may live up to 100 years. Their longevity contributes to the challenge of conserving these creatures, as they take many years to reach sexual maturity and reproduce.

Why are sea turtles endangered?

Sea turtles face numerous threats that have led to their endangered status. These include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, accidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), and illegal trade of turtle products. According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtles are classified as endangered, with three of the seven species being critically endangered.

How can we help protect sea turtles?

Protecting sea turtles involves a combination of efforts such as enforcing laws against illegal trade, reducing bycatch through fishing gear modifications, safeguarding nesting beaches, and minimizing plastic pollution. Public education and supporting conservation organizations are also vital. Participating in beach cleanups and responsible ecotourism can contribute to the preservation of these ancient mariners.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon158491

Sea turtles can stay submerged far longer than five minutes. I've watched one for almost an hour before it surfaced to breathe, and I don't know how long it had been underwater before we spotted it!

alex94

@anon67327: When you refer to limbs, are you referring to their flippers? If so, their flippers are long and paddle-like which make them excellent swimmers but it makes them very poor walkers on land.

dega2010

@christym: The sea turtle is classified in the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Subclass Anapsida, Order Testudines (or Chelonii), and Family Cheloniidae or Dermochelyidae.

christym

I need to know the phylum, class, and order of the sea turtle for a project I'm doing. Does anyone have that information? I would greatly appreciate it and thanks in advance.

BoatHugger

@anon67327: What exactly do you need to know about the sea turtle limb? I will be glad to research it for you.

anon67327

this site was helpful to my science project but i didn't see any thing about the sea turtle limb?

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    • A sea turtle swimming.
      A sea turtle swimming.
    • Sea turtles live primarily in the marine environment.
      By: iko
      Sea turtles live primarily in the marine environment.
    • Sea turtles feed on seagrass, ensuring that the plant doesn't overwhelm the ocean floor.
      By: vkilikov
      Sea turtles feed on seagrass, ensuring that the plant doesn't overwhelm the ocean floor.