Animals
Sea Turtle
Sea turtles are ancient mariners, with a lineage dating back over 100 million years. Evolving from terrestrial turtles, these reptiles adapted to life in the oceans, developing streamlined shells and flipper-like limbs for efficient swimming.
There are seven species of sea turtles today, each uniquely suited to specific marine environments. From the massive leatherback, which feeds on jellyfish in the open ocean, to the green turtle grazing on seagrasses, their adaptations highlight the evolutionary success of these reptiles. Remarkably, female sea turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, guided by Earth's magnetic fields.
Sea turtles play vital roles in marine ecosystems, maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. However, their survival is threatened by pollution, climate change, and fishing practices. Understanding their evolution provides insight into their resilience and the urgent need to protect their habitats.