Take a deep dive and learn all about sea turtles. Sea turtles are incredible and mysterious! Here we reveal the 11 most intriguing facts about sea turtles to demystify these curious creatures. Sea turtle, any of seven species of marine turtles belonging to the families Dermochelyidae (leatherback sea turtles) and Cheloniidae (green turtles, flatback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, hawksbills, and ridleys).
Both families are highly aquatic, and most species only appear on coastal beaches for egg laying. Many of the sea turtle species are named for aspects of their physical appearance. For example, the leatherback turtle is named for its shell, which is leather-like rather than hard, like other.
Six of the seven species of sea turtles that swim the planet's waters-leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green, olive ridley, and hawksbill. Sea turtles, along with other turtles and tortoises, are part of the order Testudines. All species except the leatherback sea turtle are in the family Cheloniidae.
The superfamily name Chelonioidea and family name Cheloniidae are based on the Ancient Greek word for tortoise: χελώνη (khelōnē). [16] The leatherback sea turtle is the only extant member of the family Dermochelyidae. Fossil.
With such a huge variety of species, there are virtually endless fascinating facts about turtles. Some species have traits unique to them in particular, and some adaptations are held by all turtle species. These turtles are long-lived and are extremely susceptible to both anthropological and environmental factors, like poaching for skin, bycatch, and climate change, among others.
Currently, six species are listed as endangered, critically endangered, or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Description Size The leatherback is the largest sea turtle, which measures about 4.6 and 5.9 ft (1.4 to 1.8 m. There are seven species of sea turtles, each with unique characteristics.
The leatherback, the largest, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. In contrast, the Kemp's ridley is the smallest, known for its mass nesting called arribadas. Each species plays a unique role in marine ecosystems, from controlling jellyfish populations to maintaining healthy coral reefs.
Understanding these differences helps. Often considered the most majestic of the turtle family, the sea turtle is a large, ocean-going reptile known for its gentle nature and long lifespan. Swimmers, snorkelers and divers revel in seeing these stunning creatures glide by effortlessly through the sea.
Though often associated with the tropics, sea turtles are actually found in all of the world's oceans except for the polar seas.