Sea turtles (superfamily Chelonioidea) inhabit all of the world's oceans except the Arctic.
The superfamily Chelonioidea has a worldwide distribution; sea turtles can be found in all oceans except for the polar regions. Some species travel between oceans. The Flatback turtle is found solely on the northern coast of Australia.
Sea turtles are almost always submerged in water, and, therefore, have developed an anaerobic system of respiration. Altho...
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Sea turtles (superfamily Chelonioidea) inhabit all of the world's oceans except the Arctic.
The superfamily Chelonioidea has a worldwide distribution; sea turtles can be found in all oceans except for the polar regions. Some species travel between oceans. The Flatback turtle is found solely on the northern coast of Australia.
Sea turtles are almost always submerged in water, and, therefore, have developed an anaerobic system of respiration. Although all sea turtles may breathe, under dire circumstances, they may divert to anaerobic respiration for long periods of time. When oxygen is present, a sea turtle, with a single explosive exhalation and rapid inhalation, can quickly refill their lungs when they surface. Their large lungs have adapted to permit rapid exchange of oxygen and to avoid trapping gases during deep dives. However, turtles must emerge while breeding, given the extra level of activity.
The lifespan of sea turtles has been speculated at 80 years.
It takes decades for sea...
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