Green Sea TUrtle
Morphology
The green turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle with a wide, smooth carapace, or shell. Weighing up to 700 pounds (317.5 kilograms) green turtles are among the largest sea turtles in the world. They have bilateral symmetry. |
Biology
Lives in tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world. They feed on sea grasses and algae. Young green turtles will also eat invertebrates like crabs, jellyfish, and sponges. |
importance
Ecological
Sea turtles are one of the very few animals to eat sea grass. Sea grass needs to be constantly cut short to be healthy and help it grow across the sea floor rather than just getting longer grass blades. Also dune vegetation is able to grow and become stronger with the presence of nutrients from turtle eggs. |
Economical
At nine sites, where turtles are used for their meat, eggs, and shells, the average annual income from these products was $582,000 whereas at nine locations where turtles are a tourist attraction, the average annual income was nearly three times higher at US $1.65 million. |
Facts about the Green Sea Turtle
- When born, green sea turtles are only 5 cm (2 in) long.
- While most sea turtles warm themselves by swimming close to the surface of shallow waters, the Eastern Pacific green turtle will take to land to bask in the sun.
- Adult green turtles are herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae.
- They undertake lengthy migrations from feeding sites to nesting grounds, normally on sandy beaches.
- Mating occurs every two to four years and normally takes place in shallow waters close to the shore.
Vocabulary
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Resources
Green Turtles http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/green-turtle/ Green Sea Turtle http://animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/green-turtle/ Basic Facts About Sea Turle http://www.defenders.org/sea-turtles/basic-facts |