Physical and Behavioral Adpatations
- Leatherback Sea Turtles have many adaptations that help them dive deep down into the ocean. They have large storages of oxygen and blood, and their lungs can collapse, while a shunt pushes blood away from them lungs and back into the body. These all help them dive deeper for longer amounts of time. Their “leatherback” shells are actually more of a muscle, a smooth surface attached to their bodies by thousands of muscles. These slick shells also help them to swim more efficiently. Additionally, they are one of the most temperature-adaptable reptiles in the world. They can go through many temperature ranges as they dive to different depths in the ocean. They also have to adjust to temperatures when the females are onshore laying their eggs.