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leatherback |
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leatherback, marine turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters around the world. The largest of all turtles, it may reach a length of 7 1-2 ft (230 cm) and weigh 1200 lb (540 kg). Its shell, unlike that of most turtles, has no horny layer; the bone layer is covered with tough, leathery, black skin. Seven bony ridges running the length of the shell give this turtle its distinctive appearance. Highly pelagic turtles, leatherbacks have occasionally been seen as far N as Norway and as far S as New Zealand. They sometimes enter shallow coastal waters, but come ashore only to lay eggs. They are omnivorous feeders. Like other sea turtles sea turtle, name for several species of large marine turtles found in tropical and subtropical oceans. These turtles are modified for life in the ocean by having flipperlike forelimbs without toes and lightweight shells. ..... Click the link for more information. , the leatherback is declining in numbers as a result of hunting and egg harvesting. It is classified in the phylum Chordata Chordata (kôrdā`tə,–dä`–) ..... Click the link for more information. , subphylum Vertebrata, class Reptilia, order Chelonia, family Dermochelidae. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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WASTE OF SPACE Visitors travel 3 to 5 hours by boat to reach the beaches of Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park--home to hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles. We do, however, learn much about turtles, including why leatherbacks cry. The huge inlet that is the Sea of Cortez, where the cold, nutrient-rich Pacific mixes with warmer waters, is one of the most brilliant underwater ecosystems on earth and a unique diving experience, with over 700 species of fish as well as whales, manta rays, and leatherback turtles. |
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