Sea turtles have roamed Earth's oceans for over 100 million years, making them older than dinosaurs. These ancient mariners can live 50 to 100 years in the wild, with some species reaching even greater ages.

Sea turtles are found in every ocean except the Arctic, traveling thousands of miles across open water during their lifetimes. They navigate using Earth's magnetic field, returning to the same beaches where they were born to lay their own eggs.

There are seven species of sea turtles, each with unique characteristics. The leatherback is the largest, weighing up to 2,000 pounds, while the Kemp's ridley is the smallest at around 100 pounds.

These reptiles are air-breathers but can hold their breath for hours while resting. During active swimming, they surface every few minutes. Their flippers evolved from front limbs, allowing them to glide gracefully through water with remarkable efficiency.

Sea turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems. They help maintain seagrass beds and coral reefs by grazing on algae and jellyfish, keeping these habitats healthy for countless other species.