IX. Hatching and Hatchlings.
A. Incubation.
1. Incubation time varies with species, clutch size, and temperature and humidity in
the nest.
2. The incubation time for most species is 45 to 70 days.
3. Research indicates that the sex of an embryo is determined sometime after
fertilization, as the embryo develops, and may be temperature dependent. Lower nest
temperatures produce more males; higher temperatures produce more females.
B. Hatching.
1. Sea turtles hatch throughout the year but mostly in summer.
2. Hatchlings use a caruncle (temporary egg tooth) to help break open the shell.
3. After hatching, the young turtles may take three to seven days to dig their way to
the surface.
4. Hatchlings usually wait until night to emerge from the nest. Emerging at night
reduces exposure to daytime predators. They leave the nest and head to the water in
groups. Studies have shown that some nests will produce hatchlings on more than one night.
C. Reaching the ocean.
1. There are several theories as to how htachlings find the sea.
a. Hatchlings may discriminate light intensities and head for the greater light
intensity of the open horizon.
b. During the crawl to the sea, the hatchling may set an internal magnetic compass,
which it uses for navigation away from the beach.
2. When a hatchling reaches the surf, it dives into a wave and rides the undertow out
to sea.
a. A "swim frenzy" of continuous swimming takes place for about 24 to 48
hours after the hatchling enters the water.
b. This frantic activity gets the young turtle into deeper water, where it is less
vulnerable to predators.
c. There have been reports of swimming hatchlings diving straight down when birds and
even airplanes appear overhead. This diving behavior may be a behavioral adaptation for
avoiding predation by birds.
D. The first year.
1. During the first year, many species of sea turtles are rarely seen. This first year
is known as the "lost year."
2. Researchers generally agree that most hatchlings spend their first few years living
an oceanic existence before appearing in coastal areas. Although the migratory patterns of
the young turtles during the first year has long been a puzzle, most researchers believe
that they ride prevailing surface currents, situating themselves in floating seaweed where
they are camouflaged and where they can find food.
3. Research suggests that flatback hatchlings do not go through an oceanic phase.
Evidence shows that they young turtles remain inshore following the initial swim frenzy.
Most remain within 15 km (9.3 miles) of land.
Longevity and Causes of Death
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