A turtle’s life cycle is a remarkable journey that includes four main stages:
1️⃣ Egg 🥚
- Female turtles lay their eggs in nests dug into sandy beaches or soil.
- Each clutch can contain dozens to hundreds of eggs, depending on the species.
- The eggs incubate for several weeks to months, with temperature influencing the hatchlings’ sex.
2️⃣ Hatchling 🐢
- Once ready, the tiny turtles break out of their eggs using an egg tooth.
- Hatchlings instinctively crawl toward the water, facing predators and challenges.
- Only a small percentage survive to reach the ocean.
3️⃣ Juvenile Turtle 🌊
- Juvenile turtles spend their early years in the ocean, growing and feeding on seagrass, jellyfish, or other foods depending on the species.
- During this phase, they remain vulnerable to predators but grow steadily.
4️⃣ Adult Turtle 🌎
- As adults, turtles migrate long distances to feeding and nesting grounds.
- Female turtles return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs, continuing the cycle.
- Turtles can live for several decades, with some species living over 100 years!
🌿 Fun Fact: Sea turtles are known for their incredible navigation skills, using Earth’s magnetic fields as a guide!
