Final answer:
Sea turtles are thrown off track by marine debris, habitat loss, hunting, light pollution, climate change, natural predators, and human-induced factors such as coastal development and water pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sea turtles are sometimes thrown off course during their return to nesting beaches by various challenges. One such challenge is marine debris, like plastic bags, that can be mistaken for food, leading to intestinal blockage and death. These animals also face the threat of habitat loss and are still hunted in some regions, despite being protected species.
Another aspect affecting sea turtle navigation is light pollution. Artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings on beaches, leading them away from the sea. Even adult sea turtles can be disoriented by artificial lights when they come ashore to nest. In addition to this, climate change alters beach temperatures and can disrupt the turtles' natural instincts for finding their nesting grounds.
Natural predators also play a role in this challenge. Predators such as seabirds, crabs, and raccoons prey on hatchlings as they make their crucial journey from the nest to the sea. Moreover, changes in ocean currents and weather patterns, as well as human-induced factors like coastal development and water pollution, further complicate their navigation.