1. Sea TurtlesBy: Arilyn Maier<br />Sea turtles live in a multiplicity of locations. Sea turtles exist in all oceanic regions except for the polar region. Some species even journey between the Earth’s oceans. Every year, they travel, or migrate through the Gulf of Mexico to nest.<br />The sea turtle started out as a carnivore, to strengthen itself before it extends to a full size adult. After it is full size, it becomes a herbivore. As carnivores, they eat shrimp, squid, jellyfish, and cuttlefish that their parents bring them. Mainly, when they are full grown, they eat sea grasses and algae. But, as herbivores, they also eat sponges, tunicates, seaweed and sea cucumbers. Sea turtles get all of their food from under the water.<br />As a sea turtle, you must overcome harsh predators. By far, people are the biggest threat. With pollution and fishing nets, we are only killing them off and they will eventually become extinct. After us, come large sharks such as tiger sharks, only killing them for prey. The third threat is the killer whale, killing them for the same reasons as the sharks. While nesting, they are threatened by dingoes, foxes and monitor lizards.<br />Sea turtles live in many places such as shallow coastal waters, bays and lagoons. Also they live in estuaries or the sea. On rare occasions, they live in salt marshes and mangrove swamps and forests. Unfortunately, they live in places where they are threatened by multiple predators. This presents a recognizable threat to the survival of the sea turtle.<br />Another unfortunate fact is the fatal disease of Fibro Papillomas. This disease only affects sea turtles. It is almost tumor-like and very limiting to their range of motion. This disease forms on the skin, such as the eyelids and underbelly. It reduces vision and normal feeding. Also, it obstructs from normal swimming.<br />