By the Sea Lecture Series at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
October 7 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Every sea turtle begins life in an environment where just a few degrees can make a lifetime of difference. Few animals are as closely tied to their thermal environment as sea turtles, with temperature influencing everything from the timing of nesting and hatchling survival to whether an embryo develops as a male or female. But could this single environmental cue have lasting effects that extend throughout a turtle’s life? We will explore how researchers use nest temperature data and hormone analyses to track sex ratios in Florida’s leatherback, loggerhead, and green turtles from hatchlings to juveniles and subadults. By following turtles across life-stage classes, we can better understand the biological consequences of a warming climate. As sentinel species of our coastal ecosystems, sea turtles provide valuable insight into the impacts of climate change, helping us understand both the challenges they face and evaluate their capacity to adapt in a changing world.
Note: There is a $20 fee for this event. No proceeds will go to VoLo Foundation.