Leatherback Turtle - SS

Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback turtle is the largest turtle species, and one of the largest reptile species.



Like other reptiles, sea turtles are ectotherms, a feature that allows the leatherback to swim for long periods of time. An ectothermic animal is one who cannot regulate its own body temperature, so its body temperature fluctuates according to its surroundings. Due to its large size, and therefore, small surface area to volume ratio, heat loss is slow. They have a thick layer of blubber under the carapace for insulation. Its metabolic rate is greater than that of any reptile, especially that in the liver, which supplies much of the necessary energy via glucose and adipose breakdown. The leatherback can dive so deep beneath the surface because of its high haemoglobin and myoglobin content. The limbs have a greater surface area to volume ratio, so they are especially critical in preserving heat. This is achieved via the counter current exchange system, in which the arteries to the limbs are divided into numerous smaller vessels. These are then associated with the veins carrying cold, deoxygenated blood from the limbs. Heat flows from the arterial vessels to the venous vessels, thus maximizing heat conservation.