Dermochelys coriacea
Can
maintain a body temperature 18 degrees ( C ) above ambient (ocean)
How is this accomplished?
¥ Leatherbacks are enormousÉback to
that thermal inertia thing
they weigh over a ton
and are 2 meters long
low surface area to
volume ratio
¥ Thick layer of subcutaneous
blubber retains heat produced by muscle activity
¥
Counter-current vascular heat exchanges in appendages