The Green Sea Turtle is a species of turtle that can be found in the tropical and sub-tropical seas around the world.
As its name suggests, this is a marine species that can be found in salt water with two distinct populations found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
They get their name from the color of the turtle’s skin as opposed to the color of their shell, which is a darker olive or black coloration.
This species has a number of other common names including the Green Turtle, the Black Sea Turtle and the Pacific Green Turtle.
Green Sea Turtle Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Green Sea Turtle belongs to is called Cheloniidae. This is a family of marine turtles.
The species in this family have a number of common traits such as their paddle-like flippers and flat streamlined shell.
The species in this family can be found throughout tropical and sub-tropical oceans in places such as the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean.
There are currently 6 recognised species in this family including the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.
Genus
The genus that the Green Sea Turtle belongs to is called Chelonia. This is a monotypical genus, meaning it contains only one species.
In fact, the 6 species of Sea Turtles in the Cheloniidae family are spread across 5 different genera.
Species
The Scientific name for the Green Sea Turtle is Chelonia mydas and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1758 by a Swedish taxonomist named Carl Linnaeus.
Green Sea Turtle Description
The Green Sea Turtle is one of the larger sea turtle species, with adults reaching lengths of about 3 to 4 feet (1-1.2 m).
These turtles can also weigh between 240 to 420 pounds (110 to 190kg) on average.
The Green Sea Turtle has a streamlined body with a large, heart-shaped upper shell or carapace.
Their coloration can vary from olive green to brown, depending on factors like diet and habitat.
They get their name from the color of the turtle’s skin as opposed to the color of their shell.
Their coloration helps them blend in with their seagrass and algae-rich habitats.
They have paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming in the ocean.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Green Sea Turtles has a widespread geographical range, inhabiting warm coastal waters and tropical seas around the world.
The Green Sea Turtle can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Eastern coast of North America to the Western coast of Africa.
They are known to inhabit coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs throughout the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
These turtles are also commonly found in the Pacific Ocean. They inhabit the coastal waters of North and South America, as well as the islands of the Pacific.
Green Sea Turtles are often seen foraging in areas such as the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaiian Islands, and the waters of South-East Asia.
the Indian Ocean, the Green Sea Turtle is found along the coastlines of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and various island nations.
They can be spotted in the waters surrounding the Maldives, Seychelles, and other tropical regions.
Green Sea Turtle Behaviour
The Green Sea Turtle is generally a solitary animal, but they can exhibit some social behaviours, especially during feeding.
Multiple turtles may congregate in areas with abundant food, leading to brief interactions.
They are known to bask near the water’s surface to absorb heat from the sun. This behaviour helps regulate their body temperature.
They may also rest on the seafloor or float near the surface, occasionally coming up to breathe.
The Green Sea Turtle is primarily a herbivore, feeding on seagrasses and algae.
They use their powerful jaws to tear and graze on underwater vegetation.
They are known to swim in coastal areas, shallow waters, and around coral reefs in search of food.
The Green Sea Turtle is renowned for their long-distance migrations between feeding and nesting areas.
They have an impressive ability to navigate across vast ocean expanses using cues from the Earth’s magnetic field, sun position, and other environmental factors.