Marine Reptiles and Their Characteristics

Flashcards covering the key concepts about marine reptiles and their characteristics.

All reptiles are __.

ectothermic, air-breathing, impermeable, scaly skin.

Marine reptiles generally live in __ oceans.

tropical and subtropical

There are ___ groups of existing marine reptiles.

four

Most marine reptiles are __ and have to return to land to lay and hatch their eggs.

oviparous

Most sea snakes are __ and give birth to fully formed young.

ovoviviparous

Marine reptiles are specially equipped with __ to concentrate and dispose of excess salts.

salt glands

Ectothermic reptiles maintain their body temperature by exposing themselves to the __.

sun

The kidneys of reptiles produce nitrogenous wastes in the form of __.

ammonia, urea, uric acid or a combination of these.

Reptiles that take in low amounts of water have __ for salt elimination.

extra-renal salt glands

The scales of reptiles are made of the protein __.

keratin

A reptile heart is typically __ chambered.

three

Crocodiles have a _ chambered heart, similar to mammals.

four

Reptiles regulate body temperatures by either __ or hiding in shadows.

exposing themselves to the sun

Reptile urine is often excreted in the form of __ to aid water conservation.

uric acid

The __ is the outermost layer of reptile skin that helps prevent water loss.

stratum corneum

Reptiles possess __ for respiration instead of relying on cutaneous respiration like amphibians.

well-developed lungs

Reptilian eggs are covered by a __ shell for protection.

leathery

The __ provides the developing embryo with oxygen, food, and water.

shelled egg

Reptile scales can be small and grainlike or large and __.

plate-like

The bony plates under turtle scales are known as __.

dermal bones

In turtles and crocodiles, most scales __ instead of overlapping.

do not overlap

Reptiles grow continuously but do so more __ as they age.

slowly

The __ gland in sea turtles helps eliminate excess salt.

salt

Sea turtles cannot retract their __ under their shell, unlike land turtles.

limbs

Sea turtles have no __ for protection of their ears and lack teeth.

external ear opening

The __ side of a turtle's shell is called the carapace.

dorsal

Adult male sea turtles have longer, thicker __ for mating purposes.

tails

Juvenile sea turtles differ from adults in that they do not show __ dimorphism.

sexual

Family __ are turtles with shells covered in scutes.

Cheloniidae

The __ turtle is the only living scuteless sea turtle, covered with leathery skin.

leatherback

The typical diet of the green sea turtle includes __.

seagrass and algae

Marine iguanas are unique as they are the only living __.

marine lizard

El Niño seasons can reduce food availability for __.

marine iguanas

Marine iguanas adapt to salt intake by __ it out.

snorting excess salt

A black-banded sea snake feeds mainly on __.

eels

Most sea snakes are __ and must breathe air.

viviparous

Sea snakes have a paddle-shaped tail for __ ability.

swimming

The nostrils of sea snakes contain __ to keep water out.

valves

The venom of sea snakes primarily consists of __.

neurotoxins

Neurotoxins in sea snake venom can cause __ in prey.

paralysis

The __ in the venom of sea snakes can cause muscle damage.

myotoxins

First aid for sea snake bites emphasizes the need for __.

rapid assessment and treatment

In general, a creature is considered __ if it contains toxins in its tissues.

poisonous

A venomous creature delivers toxins through specialized mechanisms like __ or stings.

bites

A stonefish is an example of a __ creature with venom.

venomous

The blue ring octopus produces __ which is a potent neurotoxin.

TTX (tetrodotoxin)

What is antivenom used for?

Antivenom is used to treat venomous bites or stings by neutralizing the toxins.

How is antivenom created?

Antivenom is produced by injecting a host animal (such as horses) with diluted venom and collecting the antibodies that the animal produces.

What are the main types of antivenoms?

There are monospecific antivenoms (for a single type of venom) and polyspecific antivenoms (for multiple types of venom).

How quickly should antivenom be administered after a venomous bite?

Antivenom should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within the first few hours after the bite.

What is the role of the box jellyfish in the discussion of antivenoms?

The box jellyfish is known for its potent venom, highlighting the need for effective antivenom.

Which species have a known antivenom available?

Antivenoms are available for various species, including snakes, spiders, and scorpions.

What is the importance of understanding venoms in marine animals?

Understanding venoms in marine animals helps develop antidotes and treatments for bites and stings.

What is the geographic distribution of stonefish?

Stonefish are primarily found in the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific.

What adaptations do blue ring octopuses have for defense?

Blue ring octopuses display bright coloration and produce TTX as a defense mechanism.

How do marine iguanas manage their body temperature?

Marine iguanas bask in the sun to raise their body temperature.

What is a distinctive feature of the leatherback turtle?

The leatherback turtle is the only sea turtle without a hard shell; it has a leathery

What is the typical lifespan of sea turtles?

Sea turtles can live for several decades, with some species living up to 80 years or more.

What do sea turtles primarily use their flippers for?

Sea turtles primarily use their flippers for swimming and maneuvering in the water.

What is the nesting behavior of sea turtles?

Female sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, often traveling thousands of miles.

How many eggs do sea turtles typically lay in a nesting season?

Sea turtles can lay between 50 to 200 eggs in a single nesting season, depending on the species.

What is a unique characteristic of the leatherback turtle's diet?

The leatherback turtle primarily feeds on jellyfish, making it unique among sea turtles.

What is the role of the flipper bones in sea turtles?

The flipper bones are adapted for both swimming and walking on land during nesting.

What threats do sea turtles face in the wild?

Sea turtles face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and entanglement in fishing gear.

How do female sea turtles recognize their nesting beaches?

Female sea turtles use environmental cues, including the Earth's magnetic field, to navigate back to their nesting beaches.

What is the significance of sea turtle conservation efforts?

Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting sea turtle habitats, reducing bycatch, and ensuring the survival of endangered species.

What impacts do marine pollutants have on sea turtles?

Marine pollutants, such as plastics and chemicals, can cause health issues and mortality in sea turtles