Sea turtles typically lay a large number of eggs during a nesting season. The exact number of eggs laid by a sea turtle can vary depending on the species, age, and health of the individual, as well as other factors. On average, sea turtles lay between 50 and 200 eggs in a single nest.
Some sea turtle species, such as the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas), tend to lay larger clutches of eggs, usually ranging from 100 to 200 eggs per nest. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest of all sea turtles, may lay fewer eggs, with clutch sizes ranging from 70 to 100 eggs.
It's important to note that not all eggs laid by sea turtles will hatch successfully or reach adulthood. Many factors, including predation, natural disturbances, and human activities, can affect the survival rate of sea turtle eggs and hatchlings.
Sea turtles have evolved to lay multiple eggs in a single nesting event as a survival strategy, as this increases the chances of some eggs successfully hatching and replenishing the population. The nesting process is an essential and vulnerable part of their life cycle, and efforts are made worldwide to protect nesting beaches and conserve sea turtle populations.