The green sea turtle, known scientifically as Chelonia mydas, is a large marine reptile found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. These turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. However, the impacts of climate change are posing a significant threat to the survival of this species.
One of the most significant impacts of climate change on green sea turtles is the rising sea levels. As temperatures continue to rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting, leading to a significant increase in sea levels. This increase in sea levels affects the turtles in several ways. For instance, it can cause the flooding of nesting sites, resulting in a loss of breeding grounds for the turtles. The nesting sites are also vulnerable to being washed away by high tides, and the newly hatched turtles can be swept out to sea before they are strong enough to swim.
Another impact of climate change on green sea turtles is the increase in water temperature. As the ocean warms, the temperature of the sand where the turtles lay their eggs also increases. This can have a significant impact on the development of the eggs and the survival of the hatchlings. High sand temperatures can cause the eggs to die or produce only male offspring, leading to a decline in the female population. Furthermore, warmer water temperatures can also affect the distribution and abundance of the turtles’ prey, which can impact the overall health and survival of the species.
Additionally, ocean acidification is another significant impact of climate change that is affecting the green sea turtles. As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the pH level of the water decreases, making it more acidic. This can have a significant impact on the turtles’ food sources, such as seagrass and algae, as they struggle to grow and thrive in more acidic conditions. This can ultimately affect the health and survival of the turtles and their entire ecosystem.
Lastly, climate change is also leading to more severe weather events such as storms, hurricanes, and cyclones. These events can cause significant damage to the turtles’ habitats and food sources, leading to a decline in their population. Severe weather events can also cause the turtles to become stranded, disorientated, and even injured, leading to their death.
Green Sea Turtles and Climate Change Questions:
- What is the scientific name of the green sea turtle?
- How is the rising sea level affecting the green sea turtles?
- What impact is the increase in water temperature having on green sea turtles?
- How is ocean acidification affecting green sea turtles?
- What is the impact of severe weather events on green sea turtles?
Green Sea Turtles and Climate Change Questions: KEY
1. What is the scientific name of the green sea turtle?
The scientific name of the green sea turtle is Chelonia mydas.
2. How is the rising sea level affecting green sea turtles?
The rising sea level is causing the flooding of nesting sites, leading to a loss of breeding grounds for the turtles. The newly hatched turtles can also be swept out to sea before they are strong enough to swim.
3. What impact is the increase in water temperature having on green sea turtles?
The increase in water temperature can cause the eggs to die or produce only male offspring, leading to a decline in the female population. The warmer water temperatures can also affect the distribution and abundance of the turtles’ prey, which can impact the overall health and survival of the species.
4. How is ocean acidification affecting the green sea turtles?
Ocean acidification is affecting the turtles’ food sources, such as seagrass and algae, as they struggle to grow and thrive in more acidic conditions. This can ultimately affect the health and survival of the turtles and their entire ecosystem.
5. What is the impact of severe weather events on green sea turtles?
Severe weather events can cause significant damage to the turtles’ habitats and food sources, leading to a decline in their population. The turtles can also become stranded, disorientated, and even injured, leading to their death.
