CHELONIA MYDAS Meaning and
Definition
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Chelonia mydas, commonly known as the green sea turtle, is a species of marine reptile belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is characterized by its vibrant green-colored fat tissues and carapace, which can be found in various shades ranging from olive to black. The green sea turtle is colloquially named after its unique coloration, as well as its preferred habitat in warm tropical and subtropical waters of the world's oceans.
These turtles typically possess a dorsoventrally flattened body, with forelimbs modified into paddle-like flippers for efficient swimming. The carapace, or upper shell, is composed of several bony plates, known as scutes, providing protection to the turtle's internal organs. Adult green sea turtles can reach an average length of 1.2 meters and weigh up to approximately 136 kilograms.
Green sea turtles are herbivores, feeding primarily on seagrasses and algae found in coastal areas and shallow waters. They are known to migrate thousands of kilometers between nesting and foraging grounds. These turtles can be found in numerous regions worldwide, including the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Chelonia mydas possesses immense ecological importance by supporting biodiversity and helping maintain the health of marine ecosystems. However, the species is listed as endangered due to various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, illegal hunting, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of Chelonia mydas as it plays a vital role in the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for CHELONIA MYDAS
- xhelonia mydas
- vhelonia mydas
- fhelonia mydas
- dhelonia mydas
- cgelonia mydas
- cbelonia mydas
- cnelonia mydas
- cjelonia mydas
- cuelonia mydas
- cyelonia mydas
- chwlonia mydas
- chslonia mydas
- chdlonia mydas
- chrlonia mydas
- ch4lonia mydas
- ch3lonia mydas
- chekonia mydas
- cheponia mydas
- cheoonia mydas
Etymology of CHELONIA MYDAS
The word "Chelonia mydas" is a scientific name commonly used for the green sea turtle.
The etymology of "Chelonia" can be traced back to the Greek word "chelone", which refers to a turtle or tortoise. In Greek mythology, Chelone was a nymph who refused to attend the marriage of Zeus and Hera, for which she was transformed into a tortoise. This name was later used to describe the entire turtle family.
The term "mydas" is derived from the Greek mythological character King Midas, who was known for his golden touch. The specific reason for using "mydas" in relation to the green sea turtle is not clear, but it could be attributed to either the greenish color of the turtle's body or its abundant presence (as gold is associated with wealth and abundance).
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