Marine Reptiles and Birds

A membrane that closely covers the embryo when first formed. amnion. The amnion is a protective sac that surrounds and cushions the developing embryo.

The shell of a turtle or tortoise, or the plate that covers the head of a crustacean. carapace. A carapace is a protective, hard shell covering the back of some animals like turtles and crustaceans.

A flying technique used to gain energy by crossing the boundary between air masses of different velocity. Dynamic soaring. Dynamic soaring is a method birds and aircraft use to increase speed and distance by repeatedly crossing between slow and fast-moving air.

An organ for excreting excess salts. Salt gland. A salt gland is a specialized organ in some animals that helps remove extra salt from their bodies.

Birds that are adapted to life within the marine environment. Seabirds. Seabirds are birds that have evolved to live and thrive in and around ocean habitats.