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Everything to Know About the Secret World of Sea Turtles

Sea turtles live long lives, and make large impacts to their habitat. Learn more about these marine reptiles.

By Jake Parks
Mar 6, 2024 7:00 PMMar 14, 2024 3:45 PM
Green sea turtle swimming through the crystal clear lagoon at Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia
(Credit: SeanScottPhotography/Shutterstock)

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In the serene yet treacherous waters of our planet's oceans, sea turtles have thrived for ages, silently helping maintain the equilibrium of aquatic life. These marine reptiles, which are emblematic of both endurance and tranquility, play vital roles in oceanic ecosystems. However, their existence is increasingly threatened by a host of serious challenges.

Take a deep dive into the life of sea turtles, exploring their diet, habitat, lifespan, threats to their existence, and what humans can do to help.

The Lives of Sea Turtles

(Credit: Tommy Daynjer/Shutterstock)

Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have been navigating the world's oceans virtually unchanged for some 110 million years. They belong to the order Testudines and are known for their large shells, which offer protection from predators. Unlike many other turtles and tortoises, sea turtles cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells, and they have adapted flippers for swimming in the ocean.

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