AY Honor Chelonians Requirements used by South American Division

Chelonians

Skill Level

1

Year

2025

Version

14.12.2025

Approval authority

South American Division

1. Describe the main characteristics of chelonians and explain why chelonians are classified as reptiles.

2. By what other names are chelonians known?

3. What are the two lineages (suborders) of chelonians?

4. Illustrate the internal anatomy of a turtle.

5. List:

a. Five species of terrestrial chelonians

b. Five species of freshwater chelonians

c. Three species of giant chelonians

6. Choose one species from each of the options in the previous requirement and describe, for each, the common names and scientific name, physical characteristics, habits, diet, reproduction, and other interesting facts.

7. Answer the following questions:

a. What is the main factor in the development of chelonian eggs?

b. What is the diet of terrestrial and aquatic chelonians?

c. How do chelonians breathe?

d. What is the main threat to these reptiles?

e. How many years did the oldest chelonian in the world live?

f. How is it possible to differentiate between male and female tortoises?

g. What is the largest species of sea turtle in the world?

h. Out of a thousand sea turtle hatchlings, how many reach adulthood?

i. What factors cause many turtles to not reach the sea after hatching?

j. Which species of sea turtle is most threatened with extinction?

8. Why is the preservation of chelonians important to humans? How does marine pollution become harmful to turtles?

9. How do sea turtles use their sense of smell, hearing, and sight in relation to their reproductive cycle?

10. How do female sea turtles manage to return to the beach where they were born to lay eggs?

11. What is responsible for most accidental deaths of marine chelonians worldwide?

12. Complete one of the following:

a. Visit an institution that works in the care, preservation, and prevention of the extinction of turtles. Write a report documenting how that institution operates and what aspects you found most interesting.

b. Research an institution online that works in the care, preservation, and prevention the extinction of turtles. Write a report of at least 300 words describing the institution's history, how it operates, and what results have been observed to date.

c. Participate in an awareness campaign in your community about the preservation and prevention of the extinction of turtles.