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This week we are looking at turtles, did you know they are cold blooded reptiles, which is why they are often seen basking in the sun.
Some feel they seem
ancient and mysterious as well as strangely comforting. This may have something
to do with the fact that they have been around for more than 220 million years,
what the hell that means they were around during the time of the dinosaurs.
Their slow, steady
way of life hides a surprising amount of diversity and evolutionary brilliance.
Their shells are
part of the skeleton which means they can’t leave it and it grows with them.
There are three main
species, sea turtles, freshwater turtles and tortoises, they often live a long
time some giant tortoises can live over 150 years.
Sea Turtles are graceful
ocean wanderers that migrate thousands of kilometres. Females return to the
exact beach where they hatched to lay eggs, sadly many species of sea turtles
are endangered due to fishing nets, pollution, and habitat loss. Examples are
the Green Turtle, Logerhead, Hawksbill.
Then there are Freshwater Turtles, which are found in rivers, lakes and wetlands, with some of the most unique species being found in Australia. Examples are the Murry River Turtle, Mary River Turtle which has punk-rock algae hair.
Lastly, we have tortoises which are land dwelling, slow moving, long living with thick domed shells. They are herbivores a famous one is Jonathan who holds the recorded for being the longest living.
All turtles lay eggs
on land, even sea turtles with hatchlings relying on moonlight to guide them to
the ocean, sex is determined by temperature warmer nest produce more females.
They
may not be fast, but they’re far from simple, as Sea turtles navigate using
Earth’s magnetic field, Freshwater turtles recognise individual humans and some
species communicate through low‑frequency sounds.
They
play essential roles in ecosystems with sea turtles keep seagrass meadows
healthy, freshwater turtles clean waterways by scavenging and tortoises shape
landscapes by grazing and digging.
Jo-Anne, it was a PLEASURE to see you over at my house this morning. MEOW!! I am unable to subscribe to your blog and that makes it hard to know you have posted. Sometimes I rely on seeing your comments on other blogs to send Katie Isabella over to see you. Loved todays info on the three species types we usually call just Turtles.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one that I have bookmarked and like to check regularly but sometimes I don't get to all the blogs I would like to as I do follow around 65 blogs.
DeleteSome of my best times were spent scuba diving with sea turtles off the coast of Maui in Hawaii. Amazing creatures they are.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so cool
DeleteSeveral of our barrier islands here in Georgia are protected as they are breeding grounds for thousands of sea turtles. They certainly are ancient, Jo-Anne, and more clever than we give them credit for.
ReplyDeleteThey are fascinating creatures
DeleteVery interesting information Jo-Anne - I didn't know half that. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSame here I knew only a bit of this
DeleteThis was really interesting to read. I loved how you explained their differences and why they matter in such a clear way.
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThe turtle looks far better looking and much more mobile under water than it does sunbaking in the sand.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about right to me
ReplyDeleteI love them. I had a turtle about 20 years ago. We did end up putting him in a lake since we were moving. I brought that turtle home from my dad's summer home, in my sons pocket on an airplane. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful creatures, I am pleased you liked the post
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