Sea turtles range in every ocean in the world. Their migration can be more than a thousand miles long. Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that spend most of their lives at sea, except to lay eggs every two to five years. The turtles will return to the place where they were born to lay their eggs.
There are seven species of sea turtles and each one has a different diet. For example, Leatherbacks eat soft-bodied animals like jellyfish. Sea turtles differ from land turtles in that they cannot retract their heads or legs. They are solitary creatures and live their lives alone until mating season.
Very few creatures on earth have an internal and external skeleton like the sea turtle. The external is for their protection, and the internal skeleton helps their muscles maintain their shape. Sea turtles do not have teeth, they have pointed beaks and powerful jaws so their prey cannot easily get away.
Lesson ideas:
- Studying sea turtles is a great way to learn about a complex sea creature.
- Visiting a marine museum or rescue center can get you p close to a sea turtle.
Beyond the trail:
Choose one of the seven species of sea turtles. Research and create a report on that species. Remember to include information such as:
- habitat
- diet
- migration
- predators
- anatomy
Resources:
The Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle, Anna Kingston
Old Turtle, Douglas Wood
Sea Turtle’s Race to the Sea, Kathy Allen