Sea Turtles

1 Pages 370 Words

Sea turtles are generally solitary creatures that remain submerged for much of the time they are at sea. There are five species of sea turtles. They live in shallow, warm, coastal waters. They formation of forelegs that are shaped like paddles makes them excellent swimmers but slow walkers. They are large animals that live 15 to 30 years. The Leatherback is the largest turtle that averages 90 kg. There were some recorded up to 550 kg. The so called green turtles feed on sea grass but others eat invertebrates including jellyfish. When it is not nesting season, sea turtles may migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles. The evidence suggests that their navigation works by sensing wave motions of the earth’s magnetic field. Sea turtles can sleep at the surface while in deep water or on the bottom wedged under rocks in near-shore waters. Green turtles have been seen sleeping under ledges in reefs and rocks. The mating for most sea turtles are believed to occur during a limited "receptive" period prior to the female's first nesting emergence. Afterwards, only females come ashore to nest. It was proven with DNA that females return to the beaches where they were born to lay their own eggs. Males almost never return to land once they leave the sand of their natal beach. Copulation can take place either on the surface or under water. Sometimes several males will compete for females and may even fight each other. Females may mate with several males just prior to nesting season and store the sperm for several months. When she finally lays her eggs, they will have been fertilized by a variety of males. This behavior may help keep genetic diversity high in the population. They can lay up to 100 eggs at a time in sand above the high tide lines. The eggs are always in danger of being eaten by dogs, crabs or other animals. After laying the eggs, the female returns to the coastal shallow water. After about 60 days of incubation, the hatchlings move t...