AY Honor Sea Turtles Answer Key

Sea Turtles

Skill Level

1

Year

2022

Version

18.09.2025

Approval authority

Australian Union

1

Define the following as they relate to Sea Turtles:

1a

Scutes

The scales that make up the upper surface of the carapace.

1b

Carapace

The upper bony structures of the turtle shell covering the back.

1c

Plastron

The bones that make up the underside of the shell.

1d

Claw

The two hooked appendages that are present on the front flippers.

1e

Papillae

The backwards facing spines in the turtles oesophagus that allow it to retain food whilst letting water out of its stomach.

1f

Salt Gland

The backwards facing spines in the turtles oesophagus that allow it to retain food whilst letting water out of its stomach.

1g

Clutch

A group of eggs in a single nest.

2

Name the six species of Sea Turtle (also known as Marine Turtles) found in Australian waters.

3

Choose two of the Australian species of Sea Turtles and describe the following for each:

• What is the scientific name?
• Where does it live?
• What are its identifying features?
• How many eggs does it lay in an average clutch?
• What age does it reach maturity/start to lay eggs?
• How long do its eggs incubate?
• On average how many clutches will it lay in a season?
• How long can it hold its breath when active?

4

What are two main things that will disturb a nesting turtle?

Light and movement.

5

When might the Rangers at Mon Repos, Qld and at other Marine parks, relocate turtle eggs?

When they are laid below the high tide line, when the nest is too shallow, when temperatures are predicted to be high, or if the nest becomes exposed with dune erosion.

6

At warmer temperatures (above 28°C), do we see male or female hatchlings produced?

Female.

7

How can you tell adult male and female sea turtles apart?

Male turtles have long tails, female turtles have short tails. Male turtles will only leave the ocean to bask, female turtles lay eggs.

8

What are the top three human threats to turtle hatchlings?

Artificial light, marine debris/plastic/rubbish, beach modifications such as seawalls, tyre tracks, beach furniture and fishing nets.

9

What day did God create the animals of the sea, and where in the Bible is it found?

God created all the sea animals on the fifth day. Genesis 1:20-23

10

Successfully observe Turtles laying eggs at Mon Repos, Qld (or other Marine Parks in your area). If this is not possible, consider viewing/researching/observing videos on Turtles laying eggs.

References

• Australian Union Sea Turtles Honor
• Upwell - Protecting Turtles at Sea
• Marine Turtles in Australia