Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Marine turtles are protected under schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.
Odisha is internationally famous as one of the most critical nesting grounds for sea turtles.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Olive Ridley sea turtle, scientifically named Lepidochelys olivacea, is widely distributed and is the most abundant species of sea turtle along the Odisha coast.
Odisha's Gahirmatha beach, Rushikulya river mouth, and Devi river mouth are world-renowned mass nesting sites (Arribada) where hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs annually.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The species largely distributed in Odisha is Lepidochelys olivacea, which corresponds to option (A).