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Why is the world's largest sea turtle able to dive to a depth of more than 1,200 meters? How does its physiological structure work?
In the marine ecosystem, there is one creature that stands out for its huge body: the leatherback sea turtle. This largest species of sea turtle can dive to depths of more than 1,200 meters. This is not only due to its size, but also its unique physiological structure that provides it with this ability. This article explores the leatherback sea turtle's anatomy, body physiology, and how it moves freely through the ocean depths.
The unique design of leatherback sea turtles allows them to survive in high water pressure environments and dive to great depths.
The special structure of the leatherback sea turtle
The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest marine reptile alive today. Unlike other turtles, they lack a hard shell and are instead covered in thick skin that is soft and elastic. This structure allows them to resist the pressure from the depth of the water as they dive deep into the ocean.
The outer skin of the leatherback sea turtle runs parallel to the internal bony tissue. This structure is called osteohydrophobic tissue and has a strength similar to that of bone. There are seven significant ridge-like structures on the car shell, which can be connected to each other through elastic joints. During diving, these ridges allow the shell to remain flexible without breaking when pressure is applied.
The swimming movements of leatherback sea turtles are like dancing in the sea, and their forelimbs have very large propulsive power, especially in the deep sea.
Physiological basis of deep diving ability
The physiological structure of leatherback sea turtles is the key to their ability to dive into the deep sea. The turtle's ability to survive in high-pressure environments is largely due to the presence of large amounts of brown adipose tissue in its body, which helps retain heat and provide energy. In addition, leatherback sea turtles have thermal properties, with their core body temperature reaching over 18°C (32°F) in the water, allowing them to hunt in cold waters.
This ability to maintain temperature allows leatherback sea turtles to prey on jellyfish in the deep sea, thus maintaining their survival. It is precisely because of their powerful swimming ability and long-lasting endurance that they can swim in the depths of the ocean for long periods of time.
Environment and Ecology
The leatherback sea turtle has a wide global distribution, with its habitat spanning tropical and subtropical waters, and can be found in parts of the Arctic Circle. In most cases, these turtles choose to feed in areas with an abundant supply of jellyfish. These waters usually have rich ecological environments that provide good living conditions for leatherback sea turtles.
73% of leatherback sea turtles feed on jellyfish and act as regulators in their food chain.
Life habits and reproduction
Like most sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles mostly reproduce at night. Females will lay eggs multiple times during each breeding season, while males need to constantly look for females to mate. Although females can lay up to 10 eggs per season, the eggs still face many threats during their growth period, especially habitat destruction and predators.
Protection and the future
The overall number of leatherback sea turtles is currently declining. According to recent data, only an estimated 26,000 to 43,000 females lay eggs globally each year. This number has dropped significantly from 115,000 in 1980. Protecting this species is not only about biodiversity, but also about the health of the marine environment. Because the health of the ocean affects the survival of marine life, and every creature in the ocean is crucial to the operation of the ecosystem.
With its unique physiological structure, leatherback sea turtles are not afraid of the fear of the deep sea and swim to deeper waters. However, as the environment changes, can these once carefree giant tortoises stand up again?
