Turtle life Cycle
Objectives
➧ Understand the 4 stages of a sea turtleās life cycle➧ Identify and describe each stage
➧ Sequence the life cycle correctly
➧ Learn why sea turtles are important
Introduction
Hi friends!➧ Today we are learning about an amazing ocean animalā¦ the sea turtle!
➧ Did you know sea turtles travel long distances in the ocean?
➧ Letās discover how a sea turtle grows from a tiny egg to a big ocean traveler!
Warm-up Questions
➧ Have you seen a sea turtle before?➧ Where do sea turtles live?
➧ What covers a sea turtleās body?
The Sea Turtle Life Cycle
Sea turtles grow in stages
1. Egg
➧ Mother sea turtle lays eggs on sandy beaches➧ She digs a nest in the sand
➧ Leaves the eggs and returns to the ocean
Key idea
➧ Every sea turtle starts as an egg
2. Hatchling
➧ Baby turtles hatch at night➧ They are very small
➧ They crawl quickly to the ocean
➧ Many predators try to catch them
Key idea
➧ Hatchlings must reach the sea quickly
3. Juvenile
➧ Young sea turtles live in the ocean➧ They grow bigger and stronger
➧ Swim long distances and find food
Key idea
➧ The turtle grows in the ocean
Adult Sea Turtle
➧ Fully grown sea turtle➧ Can live for many years
➧ Females return to the same beach to lay eggs
Key idea
➧ The adult sea turtle can reproduce
Why Sea Turtles Are Important
➧ They help keep oceans healthy➧ They eat jellyfish and control their population
➧ They help maintain seagrass beds
➧ They are important for ocean balance