Turtles and tortoises are often confused because they are both reptiles with hard shells. There are several ways to tell the difference between these two animals.
Turtles spend most of their time in water while tortoises live on land. Tortoises have stumpy legs that are adapted for walking on land while turtles have flippers that help them swim. The shape of the shell is also different – tortoises have a domed shell while turtles have a flatter shell.
Turtles are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. Tortoises are mostly herbivores and eat mostly plants.
Turtles lay their eggs in the sand on the beach while tortoises lay their eggs in a nest on land.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a turtle and a tortoise is by looking at the legs. Tortoises have stumpy legs for walking on land while turtles have flippers for swimming. The shape of the shell is also different – tortoises have a domed shell while turtles have a flatter shell.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
Tortoises live on land while turtles live in water.
How can you tell the difference between a turtle and a tortoise by looking at them?
Tortoises have shorter necks and stouter legs than turtles.
They also have high dome-shaped shells while turtles have flatter shells.
Do all turtles live in water?
No some turtles like the box turtle live on land.
What is the difference in habitat between a turtle and a tortoise?
Tortoises live on land while turtles live in water.
What is the difference in diet between a turtle and a tortoise?
Tortoises are mostly herbivores while turtles are mostly carnivores.
How can you tell the difference between a turtle and a tortoise by their shells?
Tortoises have high dome-shaped shells while turtles have flatter shells.
What is the difference in size between a turtle and a tortoise?
Tortoises are larger than turtles.
What is the difference in lifespan between a turtle and a tortoise?
Tortoises can live up to 150 years while turtles only live around 30-40 years.
How can you tell the difference between a turtle and tortoise by their feet?
Tortoises have stouter legs than turtles.
Where do most turtles live?
Most turtles live in water.
Where do most tortoises live?
Most tortoises live on land.
Are there any turtles that live on land?
Yes some turtles like the box turtle live on land.
How often do turtles lay eggs?
Turtles lay eggs every 2-3 years.
How often do tortoises lay eggs?
Tortoises lay eggs every 1-2 years.
What do baby turtles eat?
Baby turtles eat insects and small invertebrates.
