The Leatherback Sea Turtle
A Look at the Endangered Amphibian
The Leatherback Sea Turtle
Some unusual characteristics is that unlike other turtles, it is made of many small bones which let it dive over 3000 feet in depths. The turtle eggs are thick and leathery on the outside unlike other reptiles and birds.WIKIA
Adaptations
The turtle has thick and oily skin to protect against the cold water it swims in. The turtle has a backwards spine to help in catch and eat slippery jellyfish which is the leatherback's main meal. Its forearms are modified to act like flippers to help it swim through the water very easily. Its veins and arteries are close to each other to warm the blood that is pumping in and out of the heart. The neck and limbs are not retractable, which is unique to this species, that allows the swimming to increase. NATGEOG
Reasons for Endangerment
Food Chain and Location
The diet of the leatherback sea turtle contains mostly of jellyfish. This may seem bad for the jellyfush, but at the same time it is controlling the jellyfish population. They migrate from nesting sites to the pacific ocean to eat the California jellyfish that live there.
How to Help!
Baby Leatherback
This newly hatched turtle is making its way to the waters.
Human and Turtle
Size comparison.
Swimming
Sea turtle swimming in a coral reef in the ocean.
Bibliography
Aspikes04. "What Are the Adaptations of the Leatherback Turtle?" WikiAnswers. Answers. Web. 21 May 2012. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_adaptations_of_the_Leatherback_Turtle>.
Klappenbach, Laura. "Leatherback Sea Turtle - Dermochelys coriacea." About.com Animals / Wildlife. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://animals.about.com/od/tortoisesandturtles/p/leatherbackseat.htm>.
Robson, David, and Bryan Maenz. "ENDANGERED: Leatherback Sea Turtles."Leatherback Sea Turtles. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://www.tgmag.ca/envbrain/turtle.html>.
"Climate Change and Sea Turtles." Climate Change and Sea Turtles. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://www.global-greenhouse-warming.com/climate-change-and-sea-turtles.html>.
"Save Our Leatherbacks Operation (S.O.L.O.)." Save Our Leatherbacks Operation (S.O.L.O.). Web. 21 May 2012. <http://saveourleatherbacks.org/>.