Dermochelys is a noun that refers to a genus of sea turtles, commonly known as leatherback turtles. These turtles are unique compared to other sea turtle species due to their distinctive physical characteristics and behavior.
From a taxonomic perspective, dermochelys belongs to the family Dermochelyidae, which is the only family within the superfamily Chelonioidea. Dermochelys is the sole extant genus within this family.
The name "dermochelys" is derived from the Greek words "derma" meaning skin and "cheilos" meaning lip, which aptly describes the leathery texture of their shell. Unlike other turtles, dermochelys turtles possess a carapace (upper shell) made up of a layer of thin, tough, and flexible skin covered by a mosaic of discrete bony plates known as osteoderms.
These turtles are renowned for their unparalleled migratory behavior, often traveling thousands of kilometers across oceans to reach their nesting sites. They have a broad distribution encompassing tropical and temperate regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Dermochelys turtles are also known for their specialized diet, primarily consisting of gelatinous organisms such as jellyfish.
Due to environmental factors and human activities, dermochelys turtles face numerous threats, including pollution, habitat destruction, entanglement in fishing gear, and consumption of plastic debris. As a result, they are classified as endangered by several conservation organizations and protected under international treaties to prevent their dwindling populations from further decline.
In conclusion, dermochelys refers to a genus of sea turtles known as leatherback turtles, distinguished by their leathery shell, extraordinary migration, and unique feeding habits.
