Amazing

Adaptations

What is an adaptation?

Changes in the structure or function of an animal that allow it to better adjust to and

survive in its environment

Adaptations can be:

Morphological

something an

animal has developed

Behavioral

something an animal does

Let’s take a look at the sea

turtle’s body:

• Carapace- Top Shell

made of bone

• Plastron- Bottom Shell made of bone

• Scutes- Modified scales made of keratin that cover the the carapace to provide camouflage according to their habitat

How do turtles protect

themselves? Terrestrial Turtle vs. Sea Turtle

• Round, dome like shell • Can pull head and limbs

inside for protection

• Hydrodynamic shape • 2 long, paddle like

flippers for power and propulsion

• 2 short, rear flippers like rudders on a boat

• Can swim up to 20 mph!

How do sea turtles camouflage?

Epibiota

Epi - biota (on top) (living)

• Barnacles • Sponges • Leeches • Crabs • Anemones

How do sea turtles breath?

• Sea turtles breath air

• Their lungs have adapted to be the length of their carapace

• They can hold their breath for a few seconds to a few hours!

How do Loggerhead sea turtles

eat?

Sea turtles do not have teeth

They have adapted to have strong jaws lined with flat crushing plates (beak)

known as a

RHAMPHOTHECA

Esophageal Papillae

• Sea turtles have adapted to have a throat lined with downward thorn like projections called esophageal papillae

• What does this do?

– Protects the sea turtle’s throat from sharp objects

– Holds the food in place so the sea turtle can get rid of excess salt water

– Guides food down into the stomach

Why is the Sea Turtle crying?

• In addition to the esophageal papillae helping to the sea turtle excrete salt water, they have also adapted to have salt glands!

• These salt glands form thick, mucous-y tears to help them rid of excess salt water!

How do Sea

Turtle see?

• Sea turtles are nearsighted on land, but have great vision in the water

• They have a clear third eyelid called a nictitating membrane that allows them to see without the burn of salt water

Behavioral Adaptations

• Sea turtles use many clues to migrate to nesting and foraging grounds

– Seasonal changes in

ambient light and

temperature

– Earth’s Magnetic Field

• Scientists believe that magnetite crystals located in the sea turtle’s brain allow them to use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate!

Georgia Performance/Common

Core Standards

Georgia Performance/ Common Core Standards met

for Amazing Adaptations

Grade 2 S2CS1

S2CS4

ELA2R1

ELA2LSV1

Grade 3 S3CS8

S3L1

S3L2

ELA3R2

LEA3LSV1

Grade 4 S4CS1

S4L1

S4L2

ELA4LSV1

Grade 5 S5L1

S5L2

ELA5LSV1

Next Generation

Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards for Amazing

Adaptations

Grade 2 2-LS4-1

Grade 3 3-LS4-3

3-LS4-4

3-LS1-1

3-LS3-1

3-LS3-2

3-LS4-2

3-ESS2-2

Grade 4 4-LS1-1

4-LS1-2

References

Gulko, D. (2004). Sea turtles: an ecological guide. Honolulu, HI: Mutual Pub.