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