The Genome Of The Green Sea Turtle

Scientists have done studies on the population genetics of the green sea turtle. Through their DNA research, it was discovered that human impact has drastically reduced the genetic diversity within the green sea turtle population. In the future, this can prevent the reptiles from adapting and evolving because the ones that are left are extremely alike. A natural disaster or a catastrophic event can greatly diminish the number of living green sea turtles, triggering their approaching extinction. Even in the population of these creatures do increase through the conservation methods, they will still be at a higher risk of extinction. The genetic diversity of the sea turtles that was lost due to humans can only arise again through random mutations
Within the testudine order, genetic studies have shown that they are the closest to the common snapping turtle (family Chelydra) and the red-bellied short-necked turtle (family Chelidae). Their form resembles that of a green sea turtle, however, both of these turtles are found in freshwater environments, not in marine waters where the Chelonia mydas is found. Though scientists once believed that turtles evolved from lizards or the earliest reptiles, but genetic studies have shown that turtles are a sister group of crocodiles and birds. It is believed that turtles diverged from the Archosaurs, a group containing both crocodiles and birds, around 257.4 million years
The turtle breathes in the air when they reach the surface of the water and it travels to the elongated trachea. After travelling through the trachea, the air enters the bronchi, which then split off into the bronchioles of each lung. Then the air finally reaches the alveoli where gas exchange takes place. Though the lungs of sea turtles are much less complex than those of humans, it has adaptations that contribute to their success in the ocean. Sea turtles are frequent divers and to protect the lungs from damage when diving into higher water pressures, the lung has smooth muscle and structural fibres. The green sea turtle has structurally reinforced airways so that the lungs do not collapse when diving. To allow these creatures to hold their breath for long periods of time, the lung is much more elastic, permitting a higher tidal volume. When a sea turtle wants to bask in the water, they inflate their lungs and use them as floating devices. The Chelonia mydas cannot breathe while moving and due to their frequent migrating nature, the lungs also store oxygen as well. Unlike other turtles, the shell of the sea turtle is set in place so it cannot be expanded when breathing, like the human rib. For this reason, sea turtles lack a diaphragm and have trunk muscles that contract and allow breathing. In some cases, turtles can go through anaerobic respiration to trigger