A tortoise can live to be quite old. One study found that the oldest living tortoise was about 188 years old (http://www.longevityrecord.org/index.php/longevity-records/2-uncategorised/21-animals-2). That tortoise was named Harriet and she was a Galapagos tortoise.
There are other reports of tortoises living to be over 150 years old. For example one tortoise named Timothy is thought to be about 155 years old (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1510866/Tortoise-is-top-of-the-pops-at-155.html).
So how do tortoises live so long? Some scientists believe that it has to do with their slow metabolism. Tortoises don’t need to eat very much and they don’t need much exercise. This means that their bodies don’t experience the wear and tear that other animals do.
Another factor that may contribute to the long life of tortoises is their shell. The shell protects the tortoise’s vital organs from predators and other dangers.
So if you’re looking for a pet that will be with you for a long time a tortoise might be a good choice!
How old can a tortoise live?
A tortoise can live up to 150 years.
How long do tortoises live on average?
Tortoises live an average of 80-100 years.
What is the oldest tortoise on record?
The oldest tortoise on record is Jonathan a Seychelles giant tortoise who was born in 1832 and is still alive today.
How do scientists determine the age of a tortoise?
Scientists can determine the age of a tortoise by examining the growth rings on its shell.
Do all tortoises live to be very old?
No not all tortoises live to be very old.
Some tortoises only live to be 20-30 years old.
What factors affect how long a tortoise will live?
The main factor that affects how long a tortoise will live is its species.
Some tortoise species live longer than others.
Other factors that can affect a tortoise’s lifespan include its diet habitat and whether or not it is wild or captive.
What is the lifespan of a desert tortoise?
The lifespan of a desert tortoise is 50-70 years.
What is the lifespan of a gopher tortoise?
The lifespan of a gopher tortoise is 60-80 years.
What is the lifespan of a Galapagos tortoise?
The lifespan of a Galapagos tortoise is 100-150 years.
What is the lifespan of a leopard tortoise?
The lifespan of a leopard tortoise is 30-50 years.
What is the lifespan of a red-footed tortoise?
The lifespan of a red-footed tortoise is 30-40 years.
What is the lifespan of a Russian tortoise?
The lifespan of a Russian tortoise is 20-40 years.
What is the lifespan of a sulcata tortoise?
The lifespan of a sulcata tortoise is 70-100 years.
What is the lifespan of a African spurred tortoise?
The lifespan of a African spurred tortoise is 100 years.
What is the lifespan of a green sea turtle?
The lifespan of a green sea turtle is 80 years.
