Sea Turtles [Testudines]
Description
Testudines, or sea turtles, encompass a variety of species that have adapted to living in the ocean. These reptiles are distinguished by their bony or cartilaginous shells, developed from their ribs, which act as a shield. Marine turtles are adapted for aquatic life with modifications such as flipper-like limbs for swimming. Species within this order, such as the hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtle, are highly migratory and can be found in oceans worldwide, from the temperate to tropical regions. They play crucial roles in marine ecosystems, such as maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs.