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.