Today we're learning everything we can about HORSESHOE CRABS! Horseshoe crabs have been around for more than 300 million years, making them even older than dinosaurs. They look like prehistoric crabs but are actually more closely related to scorpions and spiders.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center Educator Frank Wooldridge is with us on this episode to talk about these living fossils.

Some interesting facts you'll hear in this episode: The body of a horseshoe crab is divided into three parts: the prosoma, opisthosoma and telson, or tail. The prosoma is the front, semicircular part and the opisthosoma, which protects the gills, is attached to the prosoma with a hinge. The top of the shell has ridges and spines. Seven pairs of leg-like appendages are found under the shell.

Horseshoe crabs have contributed to the medical research community. A substance in their blood called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate is used to test for bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceuticals and for several bacterial diseases.

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Welcome to the Season 2 kick-off of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast!

Welcome to our TURTLE TALKS! Today, we're learning everything we can about the fascinating Loggerhead Turtle. Worldwide there are seven species of turtles, and what's really cool is .... we see FIVE of those species on the Georgia coast.

Tybee Marine Science Educator Lindsay McGuire is teaching us all about the Loggerhead turtle's size, diet, anatomy, and of course the OH-SO-IMPORTANT nesting season. We'll also talk about light pollution and the "lost years" for Loggerheads.

Do you know what sea turtle tracks look like? Did you know one sea turtle Mom will lay about 75-125 eggs? Did you know that turtles are not able to see certain colors? Lindsay explains which colors turtles can and cannot see, and why it's so important to follow light pollution regulations.

Learn more about the voices in this episode:

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What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

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Plan your visit to Tybee Island Marine Science Center

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Take a deep dive with us on this episode recorded on location at Tybee Island Marine Science Center. We're talking about the biggest pillars here at the Science Center - Education and Conservation. Program Director Allison Williford Caldwell is back to teach us all about two programs - Bird Rescue and Marine Mammal Stranding.

The team works closely with area veterinarians during bird rescue to assess and properly rehab injured birds. Alli also talks about the coastal birds you might spot in this region.

When it comes to Marine Mammal Stranding - you'll learn about some of the work the Tybee Marine Science Center team does in the field with photo-identification with dolphins after a mass-stranding. And hold on tight for the tidal swings in Coastal Georgia. Because we have such a big swing in tides, most marine mammals in this region have adapted their routines.

Learn more about the voices in this episode:

Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram

What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Proudly hosted and produced by Dee Daniels Media

Resources:

Plan your visit to Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Partnership and Donation Opportunities