A1256655651KmOPJ

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Conservation and Ecology of Marine Reptiles MARE
494 Dr. Turner Summer 2007
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Locomotion
Sea turtles depart functionally morphologically
from other turtles Locomotion locomotor
adaptations most unique characters Large size,
hypertrophied phalanges, distinctive locomotion
patterns
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Locomotion
Due to rigid carapace all propulsion from limbs
Terrestrial Freshwater turtles alternate limb
movements Marine use both forelimbs
simultaneously
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Locomotion
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Locomotion
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Terrestrial Locomotion
Most hatchlings crawl by synchronous movement of
diagonally opposite limbs As increase in mass
locomotion becomes taxonomically dichotomous
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Terrestrial Locomotion
Most hatchlings crawl by synchronous movement of
diagonally opposite limbs
Cheloniid Pattern
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Terrestrial Locomotion
Most hatchlings crawl by synchronous movement of
diagonally opposite limbs
DermochelidPattern
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Terrestrial Locomotion
As increase in mass locomotion becomes
taxonomically dichotomous Loggerhead, hawksbill,
Ridleys retain Cheloniid pattern Green/black
flatback switch to Dermochelid pattern
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Aquatic Locomotion
Already reviewed marine turtle anatomical
adaptations Use life-based mechanisms for
producing thrust Flippers serve as wings
paddles
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Aquatic Adaptations
Modification of pectoral appendage from typical
foot to modified flipper
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Popular Mechanics
Use forelimbs to provide thrust synchronous
flipper sweeps causes body to rock through -
angles of attack Lift-based mechanisms
apparatus act like wings to generate
lift Drag-based locomotion - generate thrust by
rowing or paddling
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Popular Mechanics
Comparison of FW Marine
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Hyper-Hypo
I'm hypoglycemic and hyperactive. I'm a hyper
hypo. That's why I wear a helmet. Phillip the
hyper-hypo
Long-distance migrations accomplished during a
hyperactive swimming frenzy post-frenzy
period Large portion anaerobic unable to hold
head at surface while swimming in rough
conditions
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Frenzy!