Leatherback turtle

Definition

The leatherback turtle is the largest species of sea turtle, known for its distinctive leathery shell rather than a hard carapace. These remarkable reptiles can reach lengths of up to 7 feet and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, making them unique among their relatives. Leatherbacks are found in oceans worldwide and are particularly notable for their ability to dive deep and travel long distances in search of jellyfish, which are their primary food source.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Leatherback turtles can dive to depths of over 4,000 feet, making them the deepest diving marine reptiles.
2. Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks do not have a hard shell; instead, their bodies are covered with a layer of leathery skin and filled with fat for insulation.
3. Leatherbacks are migratory animals that can travel thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds.
4. Their diet mainly consists of jellyfish, and they play an important role in controlling jellyfish populations in marine ecosystems.
5. Leatherbacks are classified as vulnerable to extinction due to threats such as climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and poaching.

Review Questions

• How do leatherback turtles differ from other sea turtle species in terms of physical characteristics and diet?
  • Leatherback turtles differ from other sea turtle species primarily in their lack of a hard shell; instead, they have a leathery carapace that is filled with fat for insulation. In terms of diet, while many sea turtles consume hard-shelled prey like crustaceans and mollusks, leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish. This specialization not only affects their feeding habits but also plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem by helping to regulate jellyfish populations.
• What are some key threats faced by leatherback turtles that contribute to their endangered status?
  • Leatherback turtles face several key threats that contribute to their endangered status. These include habitat loss due to coastal development on nesting beaches, entanglement in fishing gear which can lead to drowning, and poaching for their meat and eggs. Additionally, climate change impacts nesting success by altering beach environments and increasing the vulnerability of eggs to temperature changes. These factors collectively pose significant challenges for the survival of leatherback populations.
• Evaluate the ecological significance of leatherback turtles in marine ecosystems and how their decline may impact ocean health.
  • Leatherback turtles play an important ecological role in marine ecosystems as they help control jellyfish populations through their diet, which primarily consists of these organisms. Their decline could lead to unchecked jellyfish proliferation, disrupting marine food webs and potentially harming fish populations that compete for similar prey. Additionally, leatherbacks contribute to nutrient cycling through their nesting activities on beaches, enhancing the health of coastal ecosystems. Thus, the decline of leatherbacks could have cascading effects on overall ocean health and biodiversity.

Related terms

Carapace: The upper shell of a turtle, which provides protection; in leatherbacks, this is replaced by a leathery skin layer.

Endangered species: A classification for species that are at risk of extinction, with leatherback turtles facing significant threats from habitat loss and human activities.

Nesting beaches: Specific coastal areas where female sea turtles, including leatherbacks, return to lay their eggs, often facing various environmental pressures.