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Mitali Patel
11/24/2025
AP Environmental Science
Wildlife Risk
22
•
Nov 24, 2025
•
Understanding the Risks for Green Sea Turtles
Mitali Patel
@mitalipatel_
1 / 9
Wildlife at Risk: Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles are fascinating creatures that have roamed our oceans for millions of years. Their distinctive features and behaviors have helped them survive for generations, but now they need our help.
These ancient mariners face multiple threats in modern oceans. Understanding their challenges is the first step toward ensuring their protection for future generations.
Did you know? Green sea turtles aren't actually green on the outside - they get their name from the green-colored fat beneath their shells!
Background Information
Green sea turtles make their homes in subtropical and temperate waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They're amazingly adaptable creatures that thrive in various marine environments.
Adult turtles are primarily herbivores, munching on seagrasses and algae. Baby turtles, however, start life as omnivores, eating insects, crustaceans, seagrasses, and worms until they mature.
These gentle creatures face many predators throughout their lives. Sharks and humans pose the greatest threats to adults, while vulnerable hatchlings are targeted by numerous animals during their dangerous journey from nest to sea.
Remember this: Green sea turtles undergo a major diet change as they grow up - from meat-and-plant-eating babies to vegetarian adults!
Special Adaptations
Green sea turtles have evolved remarkable adaptations that help them thrive in marine environments. Their distinctive brown and yellow markings on their heads make them recognizable among sea turtle species.
Their powerful paddle-like flippers enable efficient swimming through ocean currents. These specialized limbs, combined with streamlined dark brown, grey, or olive shells, make them excellent navigators in their watery home.
You can identify green sea turtles by their two prefrontal scales between their eyes and the four lateral plates on their shell. They also have specialized retinal streaks that enhance their vision underwater, helping them spot both predators and food.
Cool fact: Green sea turtles can hold their breath for hours while resting - up to 5 hours in some cases!
Threats due to Climate Change
Climate change poses serious dangers to green sea turtle populations worldwide. Rising temperatures are causing degradation of nesting habitats as beaches erode and vegetation patterns shift, making it harder for turtles to find suitable places to lay eggs.
Another concerning impact is the growing shortage of male turtles. Since a turtle's gender is determined by nest temperature, warming beaches produce mostly females, creating a dangerous population imbalance.
Climate change also exposes turtles to new predators as species shift their ranges. Additionally, changing ocean conditions negatively impact food resources like seagrass beds, making survival even more challenging for these remarkable reptiles.
Important: The temperature of a sea turtle nest determines whether babies will be male or female - warmer nests produce females while cooler nests produce males!
What Can Be Done to Help?
There are several practical solutions we can implement to protect green sea turtles. Planting vegetation on beaches and relocating vulnerable nests can help safeguard eggs from erosion and extreme temperatures.
Establishing protected areas for green turtles ensures they have safe spaces to nest and feed. Conservation efforts are also focused on creating lighter-colored beaches and shading nests to maintain proper incubation temperatures.
Reducing stormwater runoff and fertilizer use near coastal areas helps protect the seagrass meadows that adult turtles depend on for food. Even small actions in your community can make a big difference for these ancient mariners.
Take action: You can help sea turtles by reducing plastic use, participating in beach cleanups, and supporting conservation organizations!
Other Threats
Green sea turtles face numerous dangers beyond climate change. Collisions with watercraft cause serious injuries and deaths as boats strike turtles that come to the surface to breathe.
Ocean pollution and debris pose severe hazards. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and become entangled in fishing gear. These encounters frequently prove fatal.
A mysterious disease called fibropapillomatosis creates debilitating tumors on turtles' skin, eyes, and internal organs. Scientists are still researching the causes of this condition, which may be linked to environmental pollutants.
Warning sign: If you see a sea turtle with unusual growths or behaving strangely, report it to local wildlife authorities - it might have fibropapillomatosis and need help!
Turtles Take a Sunbath
Green sea turtles occasionally come to the surface to bask in the sun, a behavior that helps regulate their body temperature and remove parasites. This sunbathing activity provides rare opportunities for researchers to observe these typically elusive creatures.
When turtles surface, they become more vulnerable to human activities. This is why maintaining distance and respecting wildlife viewing guidelines is crucial for their protection.
The simple act of a turtle sunbathing connects to their larger life cycle and health needs. These moments of rest are essential parts of their natural behavior patterns.
Observation tip: If you're lucky enough to spot a basking sea turtle, stay at least 50 feet away and observe quietly - your respectful distance helps keep these animals wild and healthy!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Risks for Green Sea Turtles
Mitali Patel
@mitalipatel_
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) face numerous threats to their survival in today's changing world. These magnificent marine reptiles inhabit oceans worldwide but are increasingly endangered due to human activity and climate change.
Wildlife at Risk: Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles are fascinating creatures that have roamed our oceans for millions of years. Their distinctive features and behaviors have helped them survive for generations, but now they need our help.
These ancient mariners face multiple threats in modern oceans. Understanding their challenges is the first step toward ensuring their protection for future generations.
Did you know? Green sea turtles aren't actually green on the outside - they get their name from the green-colored fat beneath their shells!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Background Information
Green sea turtles make their homes in subtropical and temperate waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They're amazingly adaptable creatures that thrive in various marine environments.
Adult turtles are primarily herbivores, munching on seagrasses and algae. Baby turtles, however, start life as omnivores, eating insects, crustaceans, seagrasses, and worms until they mature.
These gentle creatures face many predators throughout their lives. Sharks and humans pose the greatest threats to adults, while vulnerable hatchlings are targeted by numerous animals during their dangerous journey from nest to sea.
Remember this: Green sea turtles undergo a major diet change as they grow up - from meat-and-plant-eating babies to vegetarian adults!
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Special Adaptations
Green sea turtles have evolved remarkable adaptations that help them thrive in marine environments. Their distinctive brown and yellow markings on their heads make them recognizable among sea turtle species.
Their powerful paddle-like flippers enable efficient swimming through ocean currents. These specialized limbs, combined with streamlined dark brown, grey, or olive shells, make them excellent navigators in their watery home.
You can identify green sea turtles by their two prefrontal scales between their eyes and the four lateral plates on their shell. They also have specialized retinal streaks that enhance their vision underwater, helping them spot both predators and food.
Cool fact: Green sea turtles can hold their breath for hours while resting - up to 5 hours in some cases!
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Threats due to Climate Change
Climate change poses serious dangers to green sea turtle populations worldwide. Rising temperatures are causing degradation of nesting habitats as beaches erode and vegetation patterns shift, making it harder for turtles to find suitable places to lay eggs.
Another concerning impact is the growing shortage of male turtles. Since a turtle's gender is determined by nest temperature, warming beaches produce mostly females, creating a dangerous population imbalance.
Climate change also exposes turtles to new predators as species shift their ranges. Additionally, changing ocean conditions negatively impact food resources like seagrass beds, making survival even more challenging for these remarkable reptiles.
Important: The temperature of a sea turtle nest determines whether babies will be male or female - warmer nests produce females while cooler nests produce males!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
What Can Be Done to Help?
There are several practical solutions we can implement to protect green sea turtles. Planting vegetation on beaches and relocating vulnerable nests can help safeguard eggs from erosion and extreme temperatures.
Establishing protected areas for green turtles ensures they have safe spaces to nest and feed. Conservation efforts are also focused on creating lighter-colored beaches and shading nests to maintain proper incubation temperatures.
Reducing stormwater runoff and fertilizer use near coastal areas helps protect the seagrass meadows that adult turtles depend on for food. Even small actions in your community can make a big difference for these ancient mariners.
Take action: You can help sea turtles by reducing plastic use, participating in beach cleanups, and supporting conservation organizations!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Other Threats
Green sea turtles face numerous dangers beyond climate change. Collisions with watercraft cause serious injuries and deaths as boats strike turtles that come to the surface to breathe.
Ocean pollution and debris pose severe hazards. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and become entangled in fishing gear. These encounters frequently prove fatal.
A mysterious disease called fibropapillomatosis creates debilitating tumors on turtles' skin, eyes, and internal organs. Scientists are still researching the causes of this condition, which may be linked to environmental pollutants.
Warning sign: If you see a sea turtle with unusual growths or behaving strangely, report it to local wildlife authorities - it might have fibropapillomatosis and need help!
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Turtles Take a Sunbath
Green sea turtles occasionally come to the surface to bask in the sun, a behavior that helps regulate their body temperature and remove parasites. This sunbathing activity provides rare opportunities for researchers to observe these typically elusive creatures.
When turtles surface, they become more vulnerable to human activities. This is why maintaining distance and respecting wildlife viewing guidelines is crucial for their protection.
The simple act of a turtle sunbathing connects to their larger life cycle and health needs. These moments of rest are essential parts of their natural behavior patterns.
Observation tip: If you're lucky enough to spot a basking sea turtle, stay at least 50 feet away and observe quietly - your respectful distance helps keep these animals wild and healthy!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user