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By Jackie Waple
By Jackie Waple
Introduction
Introduction
Green sea turtles are the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles. Their carapace (shell) is heart-shaped with its colors varying from green, brown, yellow, and shades of black. They have a relatively small head compared to its large body size. They can weigh up to 700 pounds!
They are found in both tropical and subtropical waters around the world. In the US, they can be found in waters from Massachusetts all the way down to the U.S.V.I and Puerto Rico. They are known to migrate between feeding grounds and nesting sites on beaches.
Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testuidae
Family: Cheloniidae
Genus: Chelonia
Species: mydas
This photo was taken in U.S.V.I National Park waters
Niche and Habitat
Niche and Habitat
Their preferred habitat depends on their age. When young, they are often found in deep, open waters. When adolescent, they move to feeding grounds which are often shallow reefs, bays, and inlets. When they mature they go between feeding grounds and beaches to nest. They are known to live 80+ years.
Adult green turtles, unlike most sea turtles, are herbivores. They feed on algae and sea grass.
Green sea turtles are similar to other sea turtles in terms of their breeding. Their breeding season begins in late spring. Female turtles will lay 75-200 eggs on the beach. She may lay multiple clutches (sets of eggs) before she returns to the sea. It takes roughly two months for little hatchings to emerge.
Evolutionary History
Evolutionary History
Sea turtles originated in the late Jurassic period, around 150 mya. The oldest species discovered to date is the Odontochelys semitestacea. Sea turtles are evolved to be streamline while swimming. Their neck and paddle-like flippers allow the green sea turtle to keep its speed. They've evolved strong jaws with no teeth for efficiently consuming sponges, crabs, and other sea life. Female green sea turtles have evolved with the behavioral adaptation to return to the beach they were hatched on to lay their eggs.
Environmental Impacts & Conservation
Environmental Impacts & Conservation
We can't speak of environmental impacts without speaking of humans.The green sea turtle is an endangered species and extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Humans are perhaps the sea turtle's biggest foe. Our pollution, contribution to global warming, and hunting of the turtles themselves are all massive threats to this species as well as all others.
Though we humans are to blame for putting this species in danger, there are many attempts to bring the population back from the brink. There are many local, national, and international groups who fundraise for and actively protect this species.
Friends or Foes?
Friends or Foes?
Sea turtles have many predators. As stated above, the most dangerous of all are humans. But they're also threatened by sharks, dolphins, snapper, and as eggs and hatchlings they face danger from fire ants, raccoons, and lizards. Around 90% of hatchlings don't make it to the water alive.
Green sea turtles are relatively solitary creatures. They do, however, have a mutualistic relationship with the yellow tang fish. This fish cleans the turtle's shell. It gets food and the turtle's shell gets cleaned!
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Factsheet on Green Sea Turtle | US Fish & Wildlife Service's North Florida ESO Jacksonville - this website gives an extremely detailed overview of the green sea turtle and is a great source if you want to learn more.
Sea Turtles! Part 1: General Sea Turtle Biology and Behavior - this website gives information on other species of turtles!
NC Wildlife: Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - this is information on sea turtles relevant to North Carolina
Sea Turtle Rescue - if you'd like to get involved with sea turtle conservation locally (Topsail, NC) check out this resource!
NOAA: What Can You Do To Save Sea Turtles? - NOAA has provided a list of actionable steps to take in your daily life that can have a positive impact on the sea turtle population.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Information About Sea Turtles: Green Sea Turtle - this is another wonderful website to explore if you'd like to learn more about this specific species!
When applicable add your google docs lesson plan here.
When applicable add your google docs lesson plan here.
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