Adaptations for Survival
SWIMMING:
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| Sea turtle's have modified forelimbs that are shaped like long paddle-like flippers used for swimming. Because of these long wing-like adaptations green turtles can swim at about .9-1.4 mph and leatherbacks at about .9- 5.8 mph. |
DIVING:
Since sea turtles are ecothermic, they have a slow
metabolic rate. This slow metabolic rate allows them to be submerged
for long periods of time. Also during long dives, blood is kept away
from tissues tolerant of low oxygen levels and pushed towards the heart,
brain, and central nervous system. In order to retain more oxygen, leatherbacks
have high concentrations of red blood cells. Also leatherback's muscles
have a high concentration of myoglobin, which transports and stores
oxygen within the muscle tissue. |
SALT SECRETION:
| Sea turtle have a salt gland to rid their bodies of excess salt. This gland is located at the sea turtle's eyes and when the female turtles leave the ocean to lay their eggs on land it appears as if they're crying because their bodies are excreting salt and fluid in order to maintain equilibrium. |