Oct. 9, 2024
Do you know about turtles? 🐢
In this episode, we will learn that turtles are fascinating reptiles found in various regions and habitats worldwide. We will also learn about how their diets vary by species and explore how turtles communicate. From sea turtles migrating across oceans to tortoises roaming the land, turtles are highly adaptable and vital to their ecosystems.
Sleep Tight!,
Sheryl & Clark
❤️👂📖
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About Sleep Tight Science
We’ve got bedtime down to a (Sleep Tight) Science! Sleep Tight Science is an engaging bedtime show that makes science accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. Snuggle in and drift off to sleep while learning about science topics submitted by listeners! Designed for curious young minds (but simple enough for grown-ups to understand), Sleep Tight Science uses big words to answer big questions that kids wonder about, like why do we feel icky sometimes and how do our legs help us move? Learn something new about the natural world while drifting off to dreamland. Have an interesting science question or a topic you’re curious about? Email us at hello@sleeptightscience.com, and it might just be the focus of an upcoming episode!
Dedicated to enhancing the health and happiness of children, Sleep Tight Media helps families replace bedtime struggles with bedtime snuggles.
Transcript
00:00:00
Speaker 1: You're listening to sleep Tight Science. Did you know that turtles have been around for more than two hundred million years? What that means they lived alongside the dinosaurs? Hello, friends, and welcome back to sleep Tight Science, a bedtime show that answers your questions about science. Are you familiar with the characters Crush and Squirt or Master Oogway? How about Franklin or Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael? Do you know what animal these characters are based on? If you thought turtle, then you are correct. Turtles are fascinating animals that have been around for millions of years, surviving and thriving in many different environments, from the ocean's depths to freshwater lakes, rivers, and even dry land. Turtles can be found in almost every corner of the world. They belong to a group of reptiles known as Chelonia, and one of their most defining features is their tough, protective shell. This shall acts like a built in shield, protecting them from predators and harsh conditions. But unlike what many people think, a turtle shell is part of its body. It's made of bones and grows with them throughout their lives. One of the coolest things about turtles is their incredible variety. There are more than three hundred species of turtles, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some turtles, like the leatherback sea turtle, can weigh over one thousand pounds and grow to be over six feet long. On the other hand, smaller species like the bog turtle only reach about four inches in length. Turtles can live in many different places, from fresh water environments like ponds and rivers, to salt water habitats like oceans, and even on land. Depending on where they live, they adapt in incredible ways to survive. Turtles are also known for their slow and steady pace. While they may not be the fastest creatures, they more than make up for it with their long lifespans. Some turtles can live well over one hundred years, making them some of the longest living animals on the planet. In fact, a well known species, the galopogos tortoise, often outlives humans.
00:03:40
Speaker 2: This long life allows.
00:03:42
Speaker 1: Turtles to grow, reproduce, and play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a bit of everything. Depending on the species, their diet can include plants, insects, small fish, and even jellyfish. Sea turtles, for example, often snack on sea grass and algae, which helps keep the ocean ecosystem balanced. Some turtles are more specialized in their diets, like the hawksbill turtle, which primarily feeds on sponges and coral reefs. Turtles slow, deliberate way of moving, and unique ancient look make them stand out.
00:04:37
Speaker 2: But despite their tough shells.
00:04:39
Speaker 1: And long lives, many turtles face challenges today, especially due to pollution, habitat destruction, and being caught accidentally by fishing gear. Many species, especially sea turtles, are now endangered, and conservation and efforts are underway to protect them and their important role in our environment. In this episode, we'll learn that turtles are fascinating, long living reptiles found in diverse habitats worldwide. They have unique features like protective shells, varied diets, and clever communication methods. Did you know that some turtles can breathe through their butts? Freshwater turtles like the Australian Fitzroy river turtle can take in oxygen through their backsides when they're underwater. Turtles have some pretty cool and unique bodies that help them survive in all sorts of an environments, from oceans to rivers and even dry land. One of the most noticeable features of a turtle is its shell. This shell isn't just something the turtle carries around, it's actually part of its skeleton. The shell is made up of two main parts, the top part called the carapace and the bottom part called the plastron. These parts are made of bone and covered in hard bony plates called scoots, which help protect the turtle from predators and harsh environments. Unlike snails, which can crawl completely out of their shells, a turtle's shell is attached to its body. The spine and ribs are connected to the inside of the shell, meaning it grows with the turtle throughout its life. It's like having armor that always fits. Turtles also have a special ability to retract their heads and limbs into their shells when they sense danger. They do this by pulling their head, legs, and tail inside to make it harder for predators to bite them. Different types of turtles pull their heads in different ways. Some can retract their heads straight back into their shells, while others tuck them to the side.
00:07:41
Speaker 2: You might be.
00:07:41
Speaker 1: Wondering about the difference between turtles and tortoises. Although both belong to the same family, there are some key differences. Tortoises live mainly on land, and they have dome shaped shells and stumpy things legs to help them move across rough terrain. They're not great swimmers and don't spend much time in water. Turtles, on the other hand, live in water, or at least spend a lot of time near it. They have flatter, more streamlined shells and webbed feet or flippers, which make them excellent swimmers. Turtles heads are also interesting. They don't have.
00:08:32
Speaker 2: Teeth like we do.
00:08:35
Speaker 1: Instead, they have sharp, beak like mouths that help them bite and tear food. Whether they're munching on plants, fish, or jellyfish, their beaks are strong enough to get the job done. All these features, strong shells, retractable limbs, and specialized feet help turtles survive in their environments, whether swimming through rivers or slowly exploring the land. These adaptations make turtles truly special and explain why they've been around for millions of years. Some species of turtles have tongues that are shaped like worms, which they use to lure fish into thinking it's food. When the fish get close, the turtle snaps them up for lunch. Turtles live in various regions and habitats around the world, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe. They thrive in environments ranging from oceans to fresh water and on land. Sea turtles live in oceans and prefer warm waters like the Caribbean or Pacific, but species like the leather back can be found in colder seas. They spend almost their entire lives in the water, only coming to shore to lay eggs. Freshwater turtles, such as painted turtles and red eared sliders live in ponds, lakes, rivers, and swamps. They thrive in calm waters with plenty of places to bask and hunt for food. Tortoises live on land in deserts, grasslands, and forests like the galope Goes tortoises or desert tortoises.
00:11:02
Speaker 2: Of the US.
00:11:04
Speaker 1: They don't swim, but their strong legs help them move across rough terrain. Some turtles, like the diamondbacked terrapin, live in coastal areas and mangroves, enjoying a mix of salt water and freshwater habitats. Turtles like the Asian box turtle live in tropical rainforests near streams or ponds where there is plenty of moisture and shelter. Turtles are great at adapting to their environments, whether swimming in the ocean, gliding through fresh water, or roaming the land. Did you know that the leatherback sea turtle is the biggest turtle in the world, growing up to seven feet long and weighing over one thousand, five hundred pounds. That's about the size of a small car. Turtles have a wide range of diets depending on their species and where they live. Some are herbivores, meaning they mostly eat plants, while others are carnivores eating meat. Many are omnivores, eating a mix of both plants and animals. Let's learn what turtles eat on land and in the water. Many land turtles, like box turtles and tortoises, are mostly herbivores. They love to munch on leafy greens like lettuced lions and kale. They also enjoy fruits like berries and apples, and sometimes snack on flowers and other plants. These turtles use their strong beak like mouths to tear through tough plant materials. Turtles that live in the wild often forage for food on the ground, using their sense of smell to find plants and fruits that have fallen from trees. Some turtles are more focused on eating meat. For example, snapping turtles are carnivores. They eat fish, frogs, and even small birds. They use their powerful jaws to catch and crush their prey. These turtles often sit still in the water waiting for something to swim by, and then they snap up their meal with lightning speed. Sea turtles, like loggerheads, also eat animals like crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish. Sea turtles use their strong flippers to swim quickly and catch their prey underwater. Many turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. For example, the red eared slider, a popular pet turtle, eats a mix of vegetables, fruits, insects, and small fish. Omnivore turtles will search for food on land and in the water. They might swim through ponds or rivers to catch fish, or crawl through the grass to find berries and other tasty treats. Sea turtles have interesting diets depending on their species. For example, green sea turtles are mostly herbivores as adults, feeding on sea grass and algae. This helps keep the ocean ecosystem balanced because the sea grass beds stay healthy when regularly grazed. Meanwhile, leather back sea turtles, the largest of the sea turtles, love to eat jellyfish. Their mouths and throats are lined with special spines to help them catch and swallow slippery jellyfish without getting stung. Turtles rely on their senses to find food. Most turtles have a great sense of smell, which they use to sniff out plants or locate prey in the water. Sea turtles often rely on site to find food. While swimming, they can see well underwater, which help them spot their next meal. Turtles that live in water often hunt by waiting patiently for food to swim by, while land turtles may roam around searching the ground for plants and berries. Turtles diets are pretty diverse, ranging from leafy greens to small animals, depending on their species and habitat. Do you know what kind of photo turtles take? Shelfees? Did you know that sea turtles can hold their breath underwater? For up to five hours. They take super long naps while swimming. Scarlet and Aston in England asked us how do turtles communicate with each other.
00:17:12
Speaker 2: There are a.
00:17:13
Speaker 1: Few different ways that turtles communicate with one another. First, turtles use their bodies to communicate, especially in the water. For example, male turtles may perform special movements or gestures to attract females during mating season. In some species of sea turtles, males will gently tap or nudge the females with their flippers as a sign of interest. Land turtles may stretch out their necks or raise their heads to show dominance or claim territory. Second, though they can't talk and are mostly quiet animals, turtles can make sounds. Some turtles produce hissing noises when they're scared or want to warn off another turtle or predator. Sea turtles in particular make sounds under water like grunts, squeaks, or sighs, which scientists believe may be used to communicate with each other, especially when they're migrating or nesting. Third, turtles also rely on smell to communicate. Many species, especially land turtles, release pheromones that carry signals to other turtles. These scents can tell another turtle whether it's time to mate or if they're in someone else's territory. Turtles have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food, mates, and even their nesting grounds. Pheromones are special chemicals that animals, including turtles.
00:19:07
Speaker 2: Release to send messages.
00:19:09
Speaker 1: To each other, like to attract a mate or mark their territory. The fourth way turtles communicate is by touch. Mating turtles often touch each other with their flippers or shells. Turtles have even been known to engage in gentle shell bumping or nudging during social interactions. I guess that is somewhat similar to our fist bump. And Finally, brightly colored patterns on a turtle shell or skin may also play a role in communication. Some species use their coloring to identify each other or to attract mates. For example, male turtles sometimes show off the b brighter colors on their heads or shells to stand out during mating season. Thank you for the questions, Scarlet and Anson. So far, we've learned that turtles are fascinating reptiles found in a variety of regions and habitats around the world, from oceans and rivers to rainforests, deserts, and grasslands. They are known for their unique anatomy, particularly their protective shell, which is part of their skeleton and helps keep them safe from predators. Turtles have diverse diets depending on their species. Some are herbivores eating leafy greens, while others are carnivores or omnivores enjoying a mix of plants, fish, and jellyfish. We've also explored how turtles communicate using body language, vocalizations, pheromones, and visual cues. And we've touched on the differences between turtles and tortoises, with tortoises living primarily on land and turtles thriving in water. From sea turtles migrating across oceans to tortoises slowly moving across land, turtles are highly adaptable and play important roles in their ecosystems. Thank you to Lachlan's step from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, whose voice introduced our show. You were Super Awesome. Thank you to George age six from Madison, Wisconsin, James Ekeinrod age six, Billy age four from Detroit, Michigan, Zoe Dana Anna Rose age five from Washington, DC, Zachariah, age three, from Washington, DC, Maya Gabriel from the Philippines, and Henry age six from New Hampshire. We would love to hear from you. Ask your parents to help you. Write us a note to the email address in our show notes. You can also visit our website and send a message that way. Also be sure to leave us a rating or a comment. Wherever you listen to our podcast, we love to get your feedback. If you want to make sure you get all the episodes, please ask your parents to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or all the other cool ways you can follow us. If you'd like to send us your questions, please send them to hello at sleep tightscience dot com. Did you know that when you sleep, your brain can go on all kinds of adventures. You might even dream about some of the cool science stuff we talked about. You could fly through space, visit other planets, shrink to see tiny atoms, or even invent something amazing. Your dreams can take you anywhere, and who knows, maybe tonight you'll dream about discovering something new and exciting in the world of science. Good Night, sleep tight
Speaker 1: You're listening to sleep Tight Science. Did you know that turtles have been around for more than two hundred million years? What that means they lived alongside the dinosaurs? Hello, friends, and welcome back to sleep Tight Science, a bedtime show that answers your questions about science. Are you familiar with the characters Crush and Squirt or Master Oogway? How about Franklin or Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael? Do you know what animal these characters are based on? If you thought turtle, then you are correct. Turtles are fascinating animals that have been around for millions of years, surviving and thriving in many different environments, from the ocean's depths to freshwater lakes, rivers, and even dry land. Turtles can be found in almost every corner of the world. They belong to a group of reptiles known as Chelonia, and one of their most defining features is their tough, protective shell. This shall acts like a built in shield, protecting them from predators and harsh conditions. But unlike what many people think, a turtle shell is part of its body. It's made of bones and grows with them throughout their lives. One of the coolest things about turtles is their incredible variety. There are more than three hundred species of turtles, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some turtles, like the leatherback sea turtle, can weigh over one thousand pounds and grow to be over six feet long. On the other hand, smaller species like the bog turtle only reach about four inches in length. Turtles can live in many different places, from fresh water environments like ponds and rivers, to salt water habitats like oceans, and even on land. Depending on where they live, they adapt in incredible ways to survive. Turtles are also known for their slow and steady pace. While they may not be the fastest creatures, they more than make up for it with their long lifespans. Some turtles can live well over one hundred years, making them some of the longest living animals on the planet. In fact, a well known species, the galopogos tortoise, often outlives humans.
00:03:40
Speaker 2: This long life allows.
00:03:42
Speaker 1: Turtles to grow, reproduce, and play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a bit of everything. Depending on the species, their diet can include plants, insects, small fish, and even jellyfish. Sea turtles, for example, often snack on sea grass and algae, which helps keep the ocean ecosystem balanced. Some turtles are more specialized in their diets, like the hawksbill turtle, which primarily feeds on sponges and coral reefs. Turtles slow, deliberate way of moving, and unique ancient look make them stand out.
00:04:37
Speaker 2: But despite their tough shells.
00:04:39
Speaker 1: And long lives, many turtles face challenges today, especially due to pollution, habitat destruction, and being caught accidentally by fishing gear. Many species, especially sea turtles, are now endangered, and conservation and efforts are underway to protect them and their important role in our environment. In this episode, we'll learn that turtles are fascinating, long living reptiles found in diverse habitats worldwide. They have unique features like protective shells, varied diets, and clever communication methods. Did you know that some turtles can breathe through their butts? Freshwater turtles like the Australian Fitzroy river turtle can take in oxygen through their backsides when they're underwater. Turtles have some pretty cool and unique bodies that help them survive in all sorts of an environments, from oceans to rivers and even dry land. One of the most noticeable features of a turtle is its shell. This shell isn't just something the turtle carries around, it's actually part of its skeleton. The shell is made up of two main parts, the top part called the carapace and the bottom part called the plastron. These parts are made of bone and covered in hard bony plates called scoots, which help protect the turtle from predators and harsh environments. Unlike snails, which can crawl completely out of their shells, a turtle's shell is attached to its body. The spine and ribs are connected to the inside of the shell, meaning it grows with the turtle throughout its life. It's like having armor that always fits. Turtles also have a special ability to retract their heads and limbs into their shells when they sense danger. They do this by pulling their head, legs, and tail inside to make it harder for predators to bite them. Different types of turtles pull their heads in different ways. Some can retract their heads straight back into their shells, while others tuck them to the side.
00:07:41
Speaker 2: You might be.
00:07:41
Speaker 1: Wondering about the difference between turtles and tortoises. Although both belong to the same family, there are some key differences. Tortoises live mainly on land, and they have dome shaped shells and stumpy things legs to help them move across rough terrain. They're not great swimmers and don't spend much time in water. Turtles, on the other hand, live in water, or at least spend a lot of time near it. They have flatter, more streamlined shells and webbed feet or flippers, which make them excellent swimmers. Turtles heads are also interesting. They don't have.
00:08:32
Speaker 2: Teeth like we do.
00:08:35
Speaker 1: Instead, they have sharp, beak like mouths that help them bite and tear food. Whether they're munching on plants, fish, or jellyfish, their beaks are strong enough to get the job done. All these features, strong shells, retractable limbs, and specialized feet help turtles survive in their environments, whether swimming through rivers or slowly exploring the land. These adaptations make turtles truly special and explain why they've been around for millions of years. Some species of turtles have tongues that are shaped like worms, which they use to lure fish into thinking it's food. When the fish get close, the turtle snaps them up for lunch. Turtles live in various regions and habitats around the world, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe. They thrive in environments ranging from oceans to fresh water and on land. Sea turtles live in oceans and prefer warm waters like the Caribbean or Pacific, but species like the leather back can be found in colder seas. They spend almost their entire lives in the water, only coming to shore to lay eggs. Freshwater turtles, such as painted turtles and red eared sliders live in ponds, lakes, rivers, and swamps. They thrive in calm waters with plenty of places to bask and hunt for food. Tortoises live on land in deserts, grasslands, and forests like the galope Goes tortoises or desert tortoises.
00:11:02
Speaker 2: Of the US.
00:11:04
Speaker 1: They don't swim, but their strong legs help them move across rough terrain. Some turtles, like the diamondbacked terrapin, live in coastal areas and mangroves, enjoying a mix of salt water and freshwater habitats. Turtles like the Asian box turtle live in tropical rainforests near streams or ponds where there is plenty of moisture and shelter. Turtles are great at adapting to their environments, whether swimming in the ocean, gliding through fresh water, or roaming the land. Did you know that the leatherback sea turtle is the biggest turtle in the world, growing up to seven feet long and weighing over one thousand, five hundred pounds. That's about the size of a small car. Turtles have a wide range of diets depending on their species and where they live. Some are herbivores, meaning they mostly eat plants, while others are carnivores eating meat. Many are omnivores, eating a mix of both plants and animals. Let's learn what turtles eat on land and in the water. Many land turtles, like box turtles and tortoises, are mostly herbivores. They love to munch on leafy greens like lettuced lions and kale. They also enjoy fruits like berries and apples, and sometimes snack on flowers and other plants. These turtles use their strong beak like mouths to tear through tough plant materials. Turtles that live in the wild often forage for food on the ground, using their sense of smell to find plants and fruits that have fallen from trees. Some turtles are more focused on eating meat. For example, snapping turtles are carnivores. They eat fish, frogs, and even small birds. They use their powerful jaws to catch and crush their prey. These turtles often sit still in the water waiting for something to swim by, and then they snap up their meal with lightning speed. Sea turtles, like loggerheads, also eat animals like crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish. Sea turtles use their strong flippers to swim quickly and catch their prey underwater. Many turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. For example, the red eared slider, a popular pet turtle, eats a mix of vegetables, fruits, insects, and small fish. Omnivore turtles will search for food on land and in the water. They might swim through ponds or rivers to catch fish, or crawl through the grass to find berries and other tasty treats. Sea turtles have interesting diets depending on their species. For example, green sea turtles are mostly herbivores as adults, feeding on sea grass and algae. This helps keep the ocean ecosystem balanced because the sea grass beds stay healthy when regularly grazed. Meanwhile, leather back sea turtles, the largest of the sea turtles, love to eat jellyfish. Their mouths and throats are lined with special spines to help them catch and swallow slippery jellyfish without getting stung. Turtles rely on their senses to find food. Most turtles have a great sense of smell, which they use to sniff out plants or locate prey in the water. Sea turtles often rely on site to find food. While swimming, they can see well underwater, which help them spot their next meal. Turtles that live in water often hunt by waiting patiently for food to swim by, while land turtles may roam around searching the ground for plants and berries. Turtles diets are pretty diverse, ranging from leafy greens to small animals, depending on their species and habitat. Do you know what kind of photo turtles take? Shelfees? Did you know that sea turtles can hold their breath underwater? For up to five hours. They take super long naps while swimming. Scarlet and Aston in England asked us how do turtles communicate with each other.
00:17:12
Speaker 2: There are a.
00:17:13
Speaker 1: Few different ways that turtles communicate with one another. First, turtles use their bodies to communicate, especially in the water. For example, male turtles may perform special movements or gestures to attract females during mating season. In some species of sea turtles, males will gently tap or nudge the females with their flippers as a sign of interest. Land turtles may stretch out their necks or raise their heads to show dominance or claim territory. Second, though they can't talk and are mostly quiet animals, turtles can make sounds. Some turtles produce hissing noises when they're scared or want to warn off another turtle or predator. Sea turtles in particular make sounds under water like grunts, squeaks, or sighs, which scientists believe may be used to communicate with each other, especially when they're migrating or nesting. Third, turtles also rely on smell to communicate. Many species, especially land turtles, release pheromones that carry signals to other turtles. These scents can tell another turtle whether it's time to mate or if they're in someone else's territory. Turtles have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them find food, mates, and even their nesting grounds. Pheromones are special chemicals that animals, including turtles.
00:19:07
Speaker 2: Release to send messages.
00:19:09
Speaker 1: To each other, like to attract a mate or mark their territory. The fourth way turtles communicate is by touch. Mating turtles often touch each other with their flippers or shells. Turtles have even been known to engage in gentle shell bumping or nudging during social interactions. I guess that is somewhat similar to our fist bump. And Finally, brightly colored patterns on a turtle shell or skin may also play a role in communication. Some species use their coloring to identify each other or to attract mates. For example, male turtles sometimes show off the b brighter colors on their heads or shells to stand out during mating season. Thank you for the questions, Scarlet and Anson. So far, we've learned that turtles are fascinating reptiles found in a variety of regions and habitats around the world, from oceans and rivers to rainforests, deserts, and grasslands. They are known for their unique anatomy, particularly their protective shell, which is part of their skeleton and helps keep them safe from predators. Turtles have diverse diets depending on their species. Some are herbivores eating leafy greens, while others are carnivores or omnivores enjoying a mix of plants, fish, and jellyfish. We've also explored how turtles communicate using body language, vocalizations, pheromones, and visual cues. And we've touched on the differences between turtles and tortoises, with tortoises living primarily on land and turtles thriving in water. From sea turtles migrating across oceans to tortoises slowly moving across land, turtles are highly adaptable and play important roles in their ecosystems. Thank you to Lachlan's step from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, whose voice introduced our show. You were Super Awesome. Thank you to George age six from Madison, Wisconsin, James Ekeinrod age six, Billy age four from Detroit, Michigan, Zoe Dana Anna Rose age five from Washington, DC, Zachariah, age three, from Washington, DC, Maya Gabriel from the Philippines, and Henry age six from New Hampshire. We would love to hear from you. Ask your parents to help you. Write us a note to the email address in our show notes. You can also visit our website and send a message that way. Also be sure to leave us a rating or a comment. Wherever you listen to our podcast, we love to get your feedback. If you want to make sure you get all the episodes, please ask your parents to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or all the other cool ways you can follow us. If you'd like to send us your questions, please send them to hello at sleep tightscience dot com. Did you know that when you sleep, your brain can go on all kinds of adventures. You might even dream about some of the cool science stuff we talked about. You could fly through space, visit other planets, shrink to see tiny atoms, or even invent something amazing. Your dreams can take you anywhere, and who knows, maybe tonight you'll dream about discovering something new and exciting in the world of science. Good Night, sleep tight