Impact on Other Organisms
- Because the water temperatures became warmer, different species had to move farther down in the ocean to stay with the same temperature water. Also, some new species may have adapted to the warmer water. The predators of the Leatherback Sea Turtle most likely decreased. Large animals such as squids and sperm whales moved farther down in the ocean to find cooler waters, leaving the Leatherback as one of the highest members on the food chain. As far as prey go, the jellyfish most likely remained the Leatherback's main food source. Some other small animals may have increased as more sunlight and warmer temperatures were established. Leatherbacks typically do not compete with anyone for their food. Since they live alone, and they only eat jellyfish, there is no one to compete with. Although, it is likely that the population became more spread out as more waters became warmer.