Sea turtle eggs have many animal predators, but humans are by far the turtles’ worst enemy because of coastal development that diminishes their nesting and feeding sites, their frequent entanglement in fishing nets, and pollution, including plastic bags in the ocean that are mistaken for jellyfish. Here’s a quick quiz to help you learn more about these magnificent creatures.
Can you guess the answers?
1. Although they have been around for millions of years, there is much scientists don’t know about sea turtles. Which of their senses, do they believe is most developed?
- Hearing ___
- Sight ___
- Smell ___
- Tactile/touch ___
- Taste ___
2. In what ways do sea turtles differ from land tortoises?
- Their shells are flatter, more streamlined. ___
- They cannot tuck their heads and legs into their shells. ___
- For ease of swimming, they have flippers rather than legs. ___
- All of the above ___
3. Sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles capable of slowing their metabolism, but they still have to surface every few minutes to breathe air.
True ___ False ___
4. Male turtles never return to land after they hatch, spending their entire life in the ocean. Females return to land only to lay eggs, which they may do several times in one season, but not every year.
True ___ False ___
5. It is believed that females will always return to where they were born to lay their eggs.
True ___ False ___
6. Although they may lay 100 or more ping pong ball-like, leathery-shelled eggs at a time, approximately what percent will survive to adulthood?
a. 75% or more ___
b. about half ___
c. 25% ___
d. probably less than 10% ___
Answers at the end of this document.
Turtle Legends
Turtles have long been symbolic of Mother Earth in many North American Indian (and other) cultures. Many turtles have 13 sections on their shells. In the lunar calendar, there are either 13 full moons or 13 new moons alternating each year, and the moon is associated with female energy. A Native American legend suggests the earth rests on a turtle’s back and imbues the turtle with such attributes as wisdom, patience, strength, stability, longevity, endurance and protection. My mother chose her favorite animal wisely.
On the other hand, (perhaps tired of all the turtle gifts) late in life she switched her loyalty to camels, a somewhat more whimsical animal that obviously symbolizes journeying, but also may be trying to let us know that it is time to find an oasis to restock and replenish our souls. A little self-nurturing is definitely in order these days.
The Question
What animal is most symbolic of the qualities
you admire? Discuss with family and friends.
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