Sea Turtles Facts and Information
Taxonomy [Marine Turtle] [Phylum: Chordata] [Class: Cryptodira] [Family: Cheloniidae]
Sea turtles inhabit three of the four main oceans, the exception being the Arctic.
They fulfill an essential role in the world's marine ecosystems and have done so for more than 100 myr.
Tragically most the seven dissimilar marine turtle species are currently classified as endangered.
The focus of worldwide conservationists targets the green turtle, loggerhead, leatherback, and the hawksbill turtles among the most pressing cases.
The demise of these ancient seawater creatures principally results from human greed and ignorance.
Their survival is in serious danger because of the exploitative value of their eggs, their skin and their magnificent shells.
As if this barbaric slaughter wasn't enough, they also die by accidental capture.
Poachers and fishermen are oblivious to the destruction and suffering that their activities and industries cause to their population.
The current facts about global warming and rising sea temperatures suggests that turtle nesting sites and the sex of their offspring are directly affected by the earth's climatic issues.
7 Extant Sea Turtle Species
- Hawksbill Sea Turtles
- Flatback Sea Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Six of the seven extant species are [Cheloniidae]. The exception is the leatherback [Dermochelyidae].
Turtles, tortoises and terrapins belong to the family order of Testudines.
This means they are characterized by a cartilaginous shield or shell with scutes developed from its ribs.
The leatherback is the exception once more because it displays a leathery skin; however it measures the largest sea turtle at 2 meters in length and weighing close to 600 kilos.
Marine Turtle Biology Identification
Turtles are air-breathing reptiles with some unique biological features. These five turtle features will help underwater divers to identify the seven different types of turtles and sharpen your knowledge of their scientific terminology.
Describing and recognising different sea turtles would be easier to master if there was a single identifying characteristic for each species.
In fact the exception is the Leatherback turtle which is characterized by its body ridges in place of a shell. In general, their head shape, the number of scutes, and the smooth or serrated edge of the shell, identifies the seven different turtle species.
- Carapace - The turtle carapace is the upper section of its shell
- Plastron - The plastron is the bottom of the shell on the underside of the turtle's belly
- Scutes - Scutes are turtle scales mainly on the shell and also its body
- Dorsal Ridges - The turtle dorsal ridge runs longitudinally on top of the shell
- Beak - The mouth of a turtle is called the beakCarapace - The turtle carapace is the upper section of its shell
- Plastron - The plastron is the bottom of the shell on the underside of the turtle's belly
- Scutes - Scutes are turtle scales mainly on the shell and also its body
- Dorsal Ridges - The turtle dorsal ridge runs longitudinally on top of the shell
- Beak - The mouth of a turtle is called the beak
What if You Find a Stranded Turtle?
- Do not attempt to put it back into the sea.
- Wrap the turtle in a wet towel (seawater is best).
- Put it in a secure place on its belly and do not try to warm it up.
- Try to keep the turtle at the same temperature as you found it.
What if the Turtle is Inactive?
Raising the back end of the shell so it is resting at an angle of about 30 degrees will help to drain its lungs.
Contact the nearest marine life rescue centre (e.g. British Divers Marine Life Rescue in United Kingdom).
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