World Sea Turtle Day: Some fascinating facts about these creatures!

Sea turtles are among the world's longest living beings who have been around for more than 150 million years, according to geological evidence. They also have a extensive life cycles exceeding 100 years. These majestic creatures aren't just a part of our fables and stories, but are a very important part of our environment as well.

Each year, on the June of 16, World Sea Turtle Day is observed in order to prevent the extinction of this marine species. It emphasizes the significance of sea turtles in the aquatic ecosystems. Since each sea turtle is distinct, they have many characteristics. As reptiles, sea turtles are ectothermic (cold blooded), produce eggs, and have leathery skin, claws, and respiratory system.

Sea turtles, with exception of aerial turtles, have wings rather than legs. They can move quickly through the water because of this. Sea turtle shells are very narrow and hydrodynamic to aid in swimming. A sea turtle, unlike a terrestrial turtle, could perhaps pull its face and hind limbs into husk due to the smooth surface of its shell.

A few sea turtles chew massive groups of jellyfish and also provide a source of income to local communities as a draw for ecotourism, making it a crucial link to ocean life such as sea life and seagrasses. However, sea turtle populations have been declining. Every year, vast numbers of loggerhead species are accidentally caught in trawlers, and the shores where they nest are vanishing.

The sizes of these turtles vary greatly, ranging from the tiny Kemp's ridley, which weighs between 80–100 pounds, to the massive leatherback, that can evaluate more than 1,000 pounds. Turtles chew sea grasses, leatherbacks eat jellyfish and soft-bodied animals, loggerheads eat heavy-shelled animals like crabs and clams, hawksbills chew sponges and other insects, and Kemp's ridley eats crabs.

A few fascinating sea turtle facts:

• Turtles lack teeth and instead have keratin sheaths in their upper jaw

• The sea turtle is simply breathtaking in size and can weigh up to 500kg.

• Turtles tend to favor foods that are red, orange, or yellow in color.

• They move over vast ranges and seem to have excellent route planning knowledge with regard to the Geomagnetic field.

• 6 out of 10 marine turtle organisms are on the danger of death caused by plastic environmental damage.