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TAXONOMY
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Testudines
Family - Cheloniidae
Genus - Eretmochelys
Species - Imbricata
Evolution
Key Evolutionary Changes - Over time the Hawksbill Sea Turtles' shell has developed over the turtle's shoulders to protect the sensitive neck/shoulder area of the turtle from prey species. The hawksbill shape of the beak developed over time to allow them to get into holes in coral reefs when looking for food; the shape and sharpness ensure that the turtle can find food. Over time the Hawksbill Sea Turtle adapted to survive the changes in weather and other factors. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has developed the ability to migrate thousands of miles for food, breeding grounds, and the right environment to thrive; the turtle prefers tropical warm waters and will travel to survive.
Diverse Between Related Groups - The size of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is growing to 30 to 36 inches in length and up to 100 to 200 pounds; not the smallest nor the largest sea turtle, it is right in the middle. The "V" shaped head and the shape/sharpness of the beak that gives it the hawksbill look is a characteristic no other sea turtle has. There is variation between related groups like color, size, preferred habit, etc.
More Information - The Cheloniidae family is typically made up of large sea/maire turtles like the Hawksbill, Leatherback, Flatback, and Green Sea Turtle. Cheloniidae family is characterized by their common traits like the protective rounded/oval shell, four flat flippers, and their front flippers are strong than the back flippers. The Eretmochelys genus is characterized by its flat body, two claws on each flipper, toothless strong jaw, and overlapping scutes or plates on the carapace or the upper shell. Eretmochelys Imbricata or the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is characterized by the Their color of black/brown, amber/yellow color, size of 30 to 36 inches in length weighing up to 200 pounds, "V" shaped head, and a hawksbill-like beak.
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