Facts About Sea Turtles for Kids
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Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that live in the world’s oceans. Kids who love animals can learn all sorts of fun facts about these ancient reptiles. Here are some interesting facts about sea turtles that are perfect for young learners:
Sea Turtles are Ancient Animals
Sea turtles are some of the oldest creatures on earth. They’ve been around for about 110 million years, which means they’ve survived through several mass extinctions, including the one that killed off the dinosaurs.
Not All Sea Turtles Look the Same
There are seven different species of sea turtles. They range in size, color, and shape. For instance, the leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all sea turtles, growing up to 7 feet long and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the smallest species, reaching only about 2 feet long and weighing around 100 pounds.
Sea Turtles Can Hold Their Breaths for a Long Time
Sea turtles have adapted to spend a lot of time underwater, and they can hold their breaths for up to five hours! The leatherback sea turtle can even stay underwater for up to 85 minutes.
Sea Turtles Have a Sense of Direction
Sea turtles can navigate incredibly well. They can sense magnetic fields and use the earth’s magnetic pull to find their way around. Additionally, they can detect low-frequency sounds, such as those made by ocean currents.
Sea Turtles are Endangered
Unfortunately, sea turtles are in danger of becoming extinct. Humans are the biggest threat to their populations. Many sea turtles are killed by getting caught in fishing nets or eating plastic debris, which can make them sick or even cause death. Also, many people hunt sea turtles for their meat, eggs, and shells. It’s important to help sea turtles by protecting their habitats and reducing our trash output.