The average lifespan of a sea turtle is 50-100 years. However, some sea turtles have been known to live for over 100 years. The oldest sea turtle on record was a leatherback sea turtle that was estimated to be 170 years old.
Sea turtles are long-lived animals for a number of reasons. First, they have a slow metabolism, which means that they burn energy slowly. Second, they have a hard shell that protects them from predators. Third, they live in aquatic environments, which are less harsh than terrestrial environments.
However, sea turtles face a number of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. As a result, many sea turtle populations are declining.
It is important to protect sea turtles because they play an important role in the marine ecosystem. They help to control populations of jellyfish and other invertebrates. They also help to maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.
There are a number of things that can be done to protect sea turtles, including:
* Reducing plastic pollution in the ocean
* Reducing bycatch in fishing nets
* Protecting sea turtle nesting beaches
* Educating the public about the importance of sea turtle conservation
By taking these steps, we can help to ensure the survival of sea turtles for future generations.