Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle

What are some adaptations of the loggerhead sea turtle?

I am doing a project on the loggerhead sea turtle and I need about ten adaptations. Thanks a bunch!!!

1. Sea turtles are strong swimmers. The cruising speed for green sea turtles is about 1.5 to 2.3 kph (0.9-1.4 mph). Leatherbacks have been recorded at speeds of 1.5 to 9.3 kph (0.9-5.8 mph).

2. Forelimbs are modified into long, paddle-like flippers for swimming.

3. Neck and limbs are nonretractile. The shell adaptations necessary for retractile limbs would impede rapid swimming.

4. Sea turtles are excellent divers. Leatherbacks routinely dive more than 305 m (1,000 ft.). They may reach depths of more than 1,190 m (3,900 ft.) seeking jellyfish for prey.

5. Since they are cold-blooded, sea turtles have a slow metabolic rate. This slowed metabolism allows them to stay submerged for long periods of time.

6. During long dives, blood is shunted away from tissues tolerant of low oxygen levels toward the heart, brain, and central nervous system.

7. Lung capacity exchange in one breath exceeded 50%.

8. Sea turtles can live in seawater with no need for a freshwater source. They obtain sufficient water from their diet and from metabolizing seawater.

9. Like other marine reptiles and seabirds, sea turtles have a salt gland to rid their bodies of excess salt. This gland empties into the sea turtles' eyes. The secretion of salt and fluid makes them look as if they are "crying" when they come ashore. These "tears" also help keep the eyes free of sand while females dig their nests.