Leatherback Turtle Skull Replica

Description

Leatherback turtle skull replica measures 9.9 x 9.0 x 6.0 inches. The Dermochelys coriacea skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The leatherback turtle has the widest distribution of all sea turtle species, ranging from the Arctic Circle to as far south as South Africa and New Zealand. White three populations exist in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, populations in the Indian Ocean remain largely unassessed.

A thick, leather-like skin texture gives these massive marine turtles their common name. Tough, flexible tissue replaces the hard bony shells found on all other sea turtles.

Adults rank as the absolute largest living turtles on earth today. Incredible long-distance journeys carry them thousands of miles across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans every year.

Skull bones form a deep secondary palate inside their mouths to help them breathe while swallowing wet ocean food. No visible outer shell exists on their bodies. Instead, a series of small, mosaic-like bones sit completely buried deep inside their dark brown or black skin.

Leatherback turtles are known to pursue prey deeper than 1000 meters which is beyond the physiological limits of all other diving tetrapods except for beaked whales and sperm whales.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Suborder: Cryptodira
• Superfamily: Chelonioidea
• Family: Dermochelyidae
• Subfamily: Dermochelyinae
• Genus: Dermochelys
• Species: D. coriacea
• Binomial name: Dermochelys coriacea
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

Emerald, the green sea turtle skull replica, floats gracefully near the shallow coral reef. She munches contentedly on a bundle of fresh, soft seagrass.

Hawkeye, the Hawksbill sea turtle skull replica, explores a nearby rocky ledge. He uses his sharp, hawk-like beak to hunt for sea sponges clinging to the rocks.

Trix, the Trionyx turtle skull replica, burrows deep in the soft, warm sand. She is ready to lay her eggs. She is excited to have them hatch so she can see their darling little faces.

Saddle, the leatherback turtle skull replica, glides smoothly through the deep blue ocean waves. He searches for lunch of slippery jellyfish on this beautiful sunny day.