Dermochelys Coriacea is the scientific name of the leatherback sea turtle, the largest turtle species in the world. The spelling of the word derives from its Greek origin, with "dermo" meaning skin and "chelys" meaning turtle. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word would be /dɛrməˈkɛlis ˌkɔrɪəˈseɪə/, with emphasis placed on the second syllable in "Dermochelys" and on the third syllable in "Coriacea". This spelling reflects the proper pronunciation of the scientific name of this fascinating marine creature.
Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is a species of marine reptile that belongs to the family Dermochelyidae. It is the largest turtle species and is characterized by its unique shell structure and leathery skin, which sets it apart from other turtles.
The leatherback sea turtle has a distinctive body shape with a streamlined and elongated appearance. It lacks a traditional bony shell, and instead, its carapace is covered by tough, rubbery skin marked by ridges and bumps. This unique adaptation grants the leatherback exceptional maneuverability and allows it to effortlessly glide through the water.
The species is renowned for its migratory behavior, traveling thousands of miles between its nesting beaches and feeding grounds. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, inhabiting tropical and temperate oceans around the world.
Leatherbacks are primarily carnivorous, feeding mainly on a diet of jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine invertebrates. Their jaws possess sharp, pointed cusps that enable them to capture and consume their prey efficiently.
Due to various factors including bycatch in commercial fishing gear, pollution, and habitat loss, the leatherback sea turtle is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, reducing fisheries bycatch, and raising awareness about the significance of marine conservation to ensure the survival of this unique and important species.
The word "Dermochelys coriacea" is the scientific name of the leatherback sea turtle. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
- "Dermochelys" comes from the Greek words "derma" which means "skin" and "chelys" which means "turtle".
- "Coriacea" is derived from the Latin word "corium" which means "leathery" or "skin".
Therefore, "Dermochelys coriacea" can be translated as "leathery-skinned turtle". This name accurately describes the key characteristic of the leatherback sea turtle, which has a unique leathery carapace instead of a hard shell like other turtle species.