The GREEN
SEA TURTLE
Life History
Life Span:
The exact lifespan of green sea turtle is somewhat unknown. Some scientists estimate that some of these turtles live up to 100 years. However; they cannot be 100% certain because of the lifespan of the humans researching them. Even with tracking technology, the lifespan and activity of a green sea turtle can outlive the tracking technology or dislodge the device.
Reproductive Strategies:
Male turtles can breed every year. They wait in off-shore waters for the females to arrive. Sexually mature females return to their "natal" beaches (the beach at which they were born) on average every 3 years during nesting season to lay their eggs. They nest at approximately two-week intervals. To protect their eggs from external threats and to create a suitable habitat for incubation, the females turtles dig up holes in the beaches before laying their eggs. Once they lay their eggs in these holes, the females cover them with sand and let the eggs incubate for two months. During this time the female turtles return to the ocean and the newborn sea turtles will be left to make their way to the ocean on their own.
Parental Investment:
The green sea turtle provide very little to no parental care. Once the eggs are laid, the females return to the ocean. The hatchlings which appear only 2 months later are left to themselves to find their way to the ocean. Once in the ocean, they are responsible for their own nutrition and survival.
Time of First Reproduction:
The species reach sexual maturity anywhere between 20-50 years of age. During this time the turtles are ready to reproduce and have their offsprings.
Seasonality:
Green sea turtles typically mate during late spring and early summer. Females nest between June and September with the peak nesting period occuring in June and July.
Number of Offsprings:
Green sea turtles produce a large number of offsprings. The female turtles lay an average of 5 clutches per season. Each clutch includes about 75-200 eggs. After two months, most of the eggs hatch. From the hatched eggs, many (but not all) hatchlings find their way to the water due to predation and abiotic factors. Once in the ocean, only a few of these hatchlings survive to become juveniles and adults due to a lack of parental care.