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Sea Turtles and Marine Reptiles

Sea Turtle Biology

Seven species of sea turtles roam the world's oceans: green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley, and flatback. These ancient reptiles have survived for over 100 million years—outlasting dinosaurs—but now face severe threats from human activities. Sea turtles are adapted for oceanic life with streamlined shells, powerful paddle-shaped flippers, and salt glands that excrete excess sodium chloride from their eyes (producing the 'tears' seen when females come ashore to nest). The leatherback, the largest sea turtle at up to 900 kg, dives to 1,200 meters and maintains body temperatures 18°C above ambient water through metabolic heat generation and countercurrent heat exchangers—a phenomenon called gigantothermy. Green turtles are the only herbivorous sea turtle species, grazing seagrass beds and playing a key role in maintaining seagrass health.

Sea Turtles and Marine Reptiles

Sea Turtle Biology

Seven species of sea turtles roam the world's oceans: green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley, and flatback. These ancient reptiles have survived for over 100 million years—outlasting dinosaurs—but now face severe threats from human activities. Sea turtles are adapted for oceanic life with streamlined shells, powerful paddle-shaped flippers, and salt glands that excrete excess sodium chloride from their eyes (producing the 'tears' seen when females come ashore to nest). The leatherback, the largest sea turtle at up to 900 kg, dives to 1,200 meters and maintains body temperatures 18°C above ambient water through metabolic heat generation and countercurrent heat exchangers—a phenomenon called gigantothermy. Green turtles are the only herbivorous sea turtle species, grazing seagrass beds and playing a key role in maintaining seagrass health.