Instagram – May 23, 2022 @ 09:01
Happy World Turtle Day!
Turtles are one of the oldest reptiles on Earth, predating snakes, crocodiles, and alligators. These ancient creatures have been roaming the world since the time of dinosaurs.
Turtles often appear in parables as peaceful animals of infinite wisdom. They are adept and can prevail in different ecosystems. The largest sea turtle species, the Leatherback Turtle, can weigh anywhere from 600 pounds to a whopping 2,000 pounds and grow up to 8 feet!
Their shells are actually part of their skeletons and are made up of 50 different bones. Land dwellers can subsist on insects, fruits, and even grass, whereas sea dwellers will eat a wide variety of things ranging from algae, to fish and jellies. #Babyturtles often start out as carnivores and begin introducing plants to their diet only when they mature.
Unlike most of their sea mates, turtles are amniotes. Even though they expend most of their time underwater, they breathe air and lay their eggs on the land. Whether a turtle becomes a male or female is contingent on the weather. Lower temperatures lead to more male hatchlings and higher temperatures lead to more female. They tend to live very long as they are cold-blooded and can thrive without food or water for long periods of time. They are also proficient at surviving in harsh environments.
Today, we celebrate these wonderful creatures!