Forelimbs are modified into long, paddle-like flippers for swimming.
Green sea turtles can stay under water for as long as five hours. Their heart rate slows to conserve oxygen: nine minutes may elapse between heartbeats.
In studies conducted on green sea turtles, lung capacity exchange in one breath exceeded 50%.
Sea turtles can live in seawater with no need for a freshwater source. They obtain sufficient water from their diet and from metabolizing seawater.
Like other marine reptiles and seabirds, sea turtles have a salt gland to rid their bodies of excess salt. This gland empties into the sea turtles' eyes. The secretion of salt and fluid makes them look as if they are "crying" when they come ashore. These "tears" also help keep the eyes free of sand while females dig their nests.
For the most part, the only time sea turtles leave the sea is when females haul out to lay eggs. On some uninhabited or sparsely-inhabited beaches, turtles have been observed basking on land.
Many adaptations that make sea turtles successful in the sea make them slow and vulnerable on land.
Green sea turtles can stay under water for as long as five hours. Their heart rate slows to conserve oxygen: nine minutes may elapse between heartbeats.
In studies conducted on green sea turtles, lung capacity exchange in one breath exceeded 50%.
Sea turtles can live in seawater with no need for a freshwater source. They obtain sufficient water from their diet and from metabolizing seawater.
Like other marine reptiles and seabirds, sea turtles have a salt gland to rid their bodies of excess salt. This gland empties into the sea turtles' eyes. The secretion of salt and fluid makes them look as if they are "crying" when they come ashore. These "tears" also help keep the eyes free of sand while females dig their nests.
For the most part, the only time sea turtles leave the sea is when females haul out to lay eggs. On some uninhabited or sparsely-inhabited beaches, turtles have been observed basking on land.
Many adaptations that make sea turtles successful in the sea make them slow and vulnerable on land.