Sea Turtles: Ancient Mariners and Modern Challenges

Sea turtles have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years, surviving since the time of dinosaurs. There are seven species found worldwide, inhabiting various marine environments. They are unique in their inability to retract into their shells and their need to surface for air. Sea turtles migrate vast distances, with females returning to their birth beaches to lay eggs. Human activities and climate change pose significant threats, leading to their endangered status. Conservation efforts by organizations like WWF aim to protect these ancient creatures through responsible practices and habitat preservation.

How long have sea turtles been traveling the world's oceans?

• 500 million years

• 200 million years

• 100 million years

• 50 million years

What is the maximum speed sea turtles can reach in water?

• 15 miles per hour

• 30 miles per hour

• 10 miles per hour

• 22 miles per hour

Why do sea turtles need to come to the surface of the water?

• To find food

• To avoid predators

• To lay eggs

• To breathe air

What helps sea turtles navigate back to their nesting beaches?

• The direction of the wind

• The position of the sun

• The earth's magnetic field

• The sound of the ocean

What determines the gender of sea turtle hatchlings?

• The time of year

• The depth of the nest

• The temperature of the nest

• The size of the eggs

What is one of the biggest threats to sea turtle populations?

• Oil spills

• Plastic pollution

• Bycatch in fishing nets

• Overfishing

How does climate change affect sea turtles?

• By changing ocean currents

• By reducing nesting sites

• By causing coral bleaching

• By increasing food supply

What organization is actively working to protect sea turtles?

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

• Greenpeace

• Ocean Conservancy

• Sea Shepherd

What can individuals do to help sea turtles?

• Use more plastic products

• Leave trash on the beach

• Recycle and reduce plastic use

• Build sandcastles near nests

What should you do when leaving the beach to help hatchlings?

• Leave sandcastles intact

• Fill in holes and remove trash

• Leave food for hatchlings

• Build barriers around nests