15 Fascinating Facts About Turtles to Celebrate World Turtle Day
Learn interesting facts about turtles to celebrate World Turtle Day.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Turtles have been around for millions of years and are full of surprises. This list shares fun and helpful facts about turtles, from what they eat to how they live. It is a great way to learn more about them on World Turtle Day.
1. Green Sea Turtles: The Vegetarians of the Sea
Charles J. Sharp on Wikimedia Commons
Green sea turtles primarily feed on seagrass and algae, which imparts a greenish hue to their fat and cartilage, not their shells. This herbivorous diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds and marine ecosystems.
2. The Perilous Journey of Hatchlings
Hila Shaked on Wikimedia Commons
After emerging from their nests, sea turtle hatchlings face numerous threats as they make their way to the ocean, including predators and human-made obstacles. It’s estimated that only about 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.
3. Hawksbill Turtles: Guardians of Coral Reefs
Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons
Hawksbill turtles have narrow, pointed beaks that allow them to extract sponges from crevices in coral reefs. By feeding on sponges, they help maintain the health and diversity of coral reef ecosystems.
4. Temperature Determines Turtle Sex
Hossein Tahavori on Wikimedia Commons
In many turtle species, the temperature of the sand where eggs are incubated determines the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer temperatures typically produce females, while cooler temperatures yield males.
5. Kemp’s Ridley: Daytime Nesters
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters on Wikimedia Commons
Unlike most sea turtles that nest at night, Kemp’s ridley turtles are known for their daytime nesting habits. They often nest in large groups called arribadas, primarily along the Gulf of Mexico.
6. Turtles Can’t Retract into Their Shells
Claudio Giovenzana on Wikimedia Commons
Unlike land turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells. Their streamlined bodies and flippers are adaptations for efficient swimming in the ocean.
7. The Shell: More Than Just Armor
Tokugawapants on Wikimedia Commons
A turtle’s shell is an integral part of its skeleton, consisting of over 50 bones fused together. It’s not just a protective covering but also houses vital organs and supports muscle attachment.
8. Breathing Underwater: A Turtle’s Adaptation
Shawn on Wikimedia Commons
Sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours, allowing them to rest or sleep underwater. However, as reptiles with lungs, they must surface periodically to breathe air.
9. The “Lost Years” of Sea Turtles
National Marine Sanctuaries on Wikimedia Commons
After hatchlings reach the ocean, they enter a period known as the “lost years,” during which their whereabouts are largely unknown. They drift with ocean currents, feeding and growing until they return to coastal areas as juveniles.
10. Turtles: Ancient Mariners
Rileynevil on Wikimedia Commons
Turtles have existed for over 200 million years, surviving mass extinctions and drastic environmental changes. Their longevity and resilience make them one of the most enduring species on Earth.
11. Turtles Travel Thousands of Miles
YVC Biology Department on Wikimedia Commons
Some turtles migrate across entire oceans to nest or find food. They use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate, almost like they have a built-in compass. This incredible skill helps them return to the same beach where they were born.
12. Leatherbacks: The Giants of the Sea
Moheen Reeyad on Wikimedia Commons
Leatherback turtles are the largest sea turtles, growing up to 2.5 meters long and weighing over 900 kilograms. Despite their size, they are graceful swimmers, traveling vast distances across oceans.
13. Turtles Breathe Air Like Us
Eco cruising on Wikimedia Commons
Even though they live in water, turtles need to come up for air. Some can hold their breath for several hours, but they still rely on their lungs for breathing.
14. Turtles Need Our Help
NOAA’s National Ocean Service on Wikimedia Commons
Many turtle species are endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Protecting their environments and reducing plastic use can help ensure their survival.
15. Turtles Rest During the Day
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters on Wikimedia Commons
Turtles often find quiet spots under rocks or coral to nap during the day. Even in the ocean, they need rest to save energy for swimming and feeding. They can sleep underwater for hours without coming up for air.