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The green sea turtle (''Chelonia mydas''), also known as the green turtle, black (sea) turtle, or Pacific green turtle,〔Swash, A. & Still, R. (2005). Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galápagos Islands. Second Edition. Hampshire, UK:WildGuides Ltd. p.116.〕 is a large sea turtle of the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus ''Chelonia''. Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.〔 The common name comes from the usually green fat found beneath its carapace. This sea turtle's dorsoventrally flattened body is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace; it has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although in the eastern Pacific populations parts of the carapace can be almost black. Unlike other members of its family, such as the hawksbill sea turtle, ''C. mydas'' is mostly herbivorous. The adults usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of seagrasses.〔 Like other sea turtles, green sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Many islands worldwide are known as Turtle Island due to green sea turtles nesting on their beaches. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. Later, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. Those that reach maturity may live to eighty years in the wild.〔 ''C. mydas'' is listed as endangered by the IUCN and CITES and is protected from exploitation in most countries. It is illegal to collect, harm or kill them. In addition, many countries have laws and ordinances to protect nesting areas. However, turtles are still in danger due to human activity. In some countries, turtles and their eggs are hunted for food. Pollution indirectly harms turtles at both population and individual scales. Many turtles die caught in fishing nets. Also, real estate development often causes habitat loss by eliminating nesting beaches. ==Taxonomy== File:Female Green Sea Turtle.jpg|Female returning to the sea after nesting in Redang Island, Malaysia File:Young Honu-Kahala.png|Immature Hawaiian ''C. mydas''|alt=Photo of 2 swimming turtles File:Karettschildkroete 01.jpg|Swimming in a Mexican coral reef|alt=Photo of swimming turtle at twilight File:Green Sea Turtles, Chelonia mydas is getting back to the ocean leaving a track.jpg|Heading for the ocean on a beach at the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park|alt=Photo of turtle walking on beach File:Green sea turtle near Marsa Alam.JPG|Green sea turtle near Marsa Alam, Egypt File:Green sea turtle portrait.JPG|Green sea turtle near Marsa Alam, Egypt File:Total internal reflection of Chelonia mydas .jpg|Green sea turtle, image showing total internal reflection 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Green sea turtle」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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