Advocacy and Preservation
Why do scientists and conservationists tag sea turtles? (3 parts)
Study growth rates, reproductive cycles, and migration routes.
Which two ecosystems do Sea Turtles belong to?
1. Marine
2. Beach / Dune
How many eggs approximately do Sea turtles lay in a nest.
150
What is the upper part of the shell called?
Carapace
Which act protects Sea Turtles in the United States?
ESA: Endangered Species Act.
What do sea turtles eat that few others do?
Sea Grass.
How many nests do Sea Turtles lay in a summer?
3-7
What is the lower section of the shell called?
Plastron
Who manages Sea Turtle Preservation for both
1. Land
2. Sea
1. Fish and Wildlife
2. National Marine Fisheries service
Why does Sea Grass matter?
Provide breeding and developmental grounds for fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
In a 20 miles stretch of beach, how many pounds of sea turtle eggs are laid per year?
150,000 lbs.
What is the weight range of a leatherback?
650-1300 lbs
What 3 reasons have dwindled sea turtle populations?
Demand for turtle meat, eggs, skin, and colorful shells
What can affect the gender of Sea Turtles?
Temperature
The connection between turtle eggs, dunes, and erosion.
Eggs fertilize the vegetation in the dunes, the vegetation contains roots that prevent erosion on the beaches.
What are the hard scales of a shell called?
Scutes
Which two types of sea turtles are critically endangered and what does critically endangered mean?
Hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley. It means they are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.
What class are sea turtles?
Reptilia
When does nesting occur for the US?
April-October
How old are the earliest known fossils of sea turtles
150 Million Years Old