What Features Have Enabled Sea Turtles to Live So Long?

Sea turtles are a form of reptile found in most ocean basins throughout the world. The evolution of sea turtles took place on land before they returned to the oceans of the world over 150 million years ago. Sea turtles live for 60 years or longer, but exactly how long they can live remains unknown.

  1. Shell

    • The sea turtle has survived for a large part of the history of the Earth by developing a lighter shell than those of its closest species family members, turtles and tortoises. The light shell allows the turtle to swim at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour for long distances.The shell covers the back and front portions of the body, or carapace and plastron, respectively, of the sea turtle to provide protection from predators.

    Oxygen

    • All seven species of sea turtles are air breathing reptiles, meaning they must return to the surface to breathe oxygen as they swim through the world's oceans. Sea turtles remain in the water throughout their lives, except for females who return to land every five to seven years to lay eggs. This means they must remain underwater for long periods of time while they sleep. When awake, sea turtles must return to the surface for air every few minutes. However, when sleeping, sea turtles store large amounts of carbon dioxide in their muscles and blood, allowing them to remain asleep for hours at a time.

    Salt

    • As sea turtles move through the ocean, they are subjected to a build up of high concentrations of saltwater that deposits large amounts of salt within their bodies. To combat the problems associated with a large build-up of salt in the body, sea turtles have a gland behind each eye that secretes excess salt. Salt is expelled from the body as a form of tear.

    Protection

    • Human laws also provide protection for sea turtles. The federal Endangered Species Act protects the six endangered species of sea turtles from hunting, injury and harassment in U.S. waters. International laws include the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora, which prohibits the sale of parts of products made from sea turtles.