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Instructions: You are presented with pairs of questions ( e.g. 1a and 1b), choose the most appropriate answer. Click on the correct answer to go to the next question. Special scientific terms are underlined - Click on these to go to the Glossary section. To return to the same place in the key, click on the appropriate question icon. Remember to make a note of the question you are at before you go to the glossary section.

 

 

Question 1a Head has deeply notched upper tomium (jaw) with 2 frontal cusps. Mouth has patches of papillary projections in rows on the palate and floor of the mouth and in the throat. Choanae open in two separate apertures on the anterior (front) part of the palate. Body consists of a very flexible carapace with 5 distinct dorsal ridges running the length of the animal. No scales except in hatchlings. Flippers without claws. Colour is dark grey or black with white or pale spots. Dimensions are up to 500kg and 180 cm (SCL). Hatchlings White blotches on keels.

Question 1b Body has a bony carapace with no ridges. Large scutes present.

correct answer 1a (go to Leatherback turtle)

correct answer 1b (go to question 2)