Sea Turtle Nesting: A Race Against Time

  Florida’s Atlantic Coast is currently a hotbed of activity for Sea turtle propagation. From early May to September, several species of Sea turtle seek out the coastline as a prime nesting location. During each season thousands of Loggerhead, Green Sea, and Leatherback turtles make their way to land by the light of the moon to lay their eggs in the warm sand. With any luck, in 50-60 days, the next generation will be on their journey into the deep blue.   Ancient sea turtles first appeared in the coastal waters of Pangea over 240 million years ago during the …

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Love is in the Air . . . and Babies on the Way

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought it only fitting to take a closer look at baby making, and rearing, in the animal kingdom.  Being a reproductive physiologist by training, I am always very fascinated by the ways wildlife have adapted to ensure species survival.  How animals have evolved to overcome harsh environments, predators, and lack of resources, to name a few, to reproduce and raise young is incredible to say the very least. Thanks to the children’s animated feature, Happy Feet, most of us have at least a basic understanding of the yearly mating and egg laying drama of …

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