![]() ![]() The skulls of sea turtles have cheek regions that are enclosed in bone. Other sea turtle species are smaller, being mostly 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) long and proportionally narrower. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest sea turtle, measuring 2–3 m (6–9 ft) in length, 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) in width, and weighing up to 700 kg (1500 lb). ![]() However, the streamlined body plan reduces friction and drag in the water and allows sea turtles to swim more easily and swiftly. This tapering at both ends reduces volume and means that sea turtles cannot retract their head and limbs into their shells for protection, unlike many other turtles and tortoises. In general, sea turtles have a more fusiform body plan than their terrestrial or freshwater counterparts. įor each of the seven types of sea turtles, females and males are the same size there is no sexual dimorphism. There is only one dermochelyid species which is the leatherback sea turtle. Sea turtles can be separated into the categories of hard-shelled ( cheloniid) and leathery-shelled ( dermochelyid). The seventh sea turtle species is the flatback, which exists in the waters of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Īll six of the sea turtle species present in US waters (all of those listed above except the flatback) are listed as endangered and/or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The seven existing species of sea turtles are the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley sea turtles. Sea turtles (superfamily Chelonioidea), sometimes called marine turtles, are reptiles of the order Testudines and of the suborder Cryptodira. A green sea turtle, a species of the sea turtle superfamily ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |