There are many differences between turtles and tortoises but the most notable ones have to do with their shells. Turtles have softer more flexible shells that are perfect for swimming while tortoises have much harder shells that protect them from predators. Tortoises also have shorter legs than turtles which helps them move more slowly but also makes them less likely to be eaten by predators.
Another big difference between these two animals is their lifespan. Tortoises can live for up to 150 years while turtles only live for about 50 years. This is likely because tortoises live a much slower lifestyle both in terms of their movement and their metabolism.
Finally turtles are found all over the world in both fresh and salt water habitats while tortoises are only found on land. This is because tortoises cannot swim and would therefore drown if they were in water.
So in summary the main differences between turtles and tortoises are their shells legs lifespans and habitats.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles of the order Chelonii or Testudines.
However turtles are typically aquatic while tortoises are terrestrial.
Tortoises also have shorter necks and stouter legs than turtles.
Where do turtles live?
While turtles can live in a variety of habitats depending on the species most turtles live in freshwater environments like ponds and rivers.
What do turtles eat?
Turtles are omnivorous meaning they eat both plants and animals.
Their diet depending on the species of turtle but can include things like: insects small mammals worms lizards and leaves.
How big do turtles get?
The size of a turtle depends on the species.
The largest turtle is the leatherback sea turtle which can weigh up to 2000 pounds (907 kg) and reach lengths of 6.
6 feet (2 m).
The smallest is the speckled padloper tortoise which only grows to be 4 inches (10 cm) long and weighs 2.
2 pounds (1 kg).
How long do turtles live?
The lifespan of a turtle also depends on the species.
The oldest turtle on record was an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita who lived to be 255 years old.
The average lifespan of a turtle however is 30 to 40 years.
Do all turtles have shells?
All turtles have shells which are actually their ribs that have fused to their backbone and enlarged modified scales.
The top part of the turtle shell is called the carapace while the bottom is the plastron.
What is the difference between a softshell turtle and a hardshell turtle?
As their names suggest the main difference between softshell and hardshell turtles is the hardness of their shells.
Hard shells are covered in horny plates called scutes while soft shells have leathery shells with little to no scutes.
How do turtles breathe?
While most turtles breathe through their lungs some species of turtles like the leatherback sea turtle can absorb oxygen through their skin.
How do turtles lay their eggs?
Female turtles lay their eggs on land usually digging a hole with their hind legs.
They then lay their eggs in the hole and cover it back up with dirt before leaving.
How do turtles hatch?
It takes about 2 to 3 months for turtle eggs to hatch.
The temperature during incubation determines the sex of the turtles with warmer temperatures producing more females and cooler temperatures resulting in more males.
What is the difference between a sea turtle and a land turtle?
The main difference between sea turtles and land turtles is their environment.
As their name suggests sea turtles live in oceans while land turtles live on you guessed it land.
Can all turtles swim?
Yes all turtles can swim but some species are better swimmers than others.
Sea turtles for example have flipper-like limbs that help them propel themselves through the water while tortoises have stumpy legs that are not well-suited for swimming.
How do turtles communicate?
Turtles communicate through a variety of methods depending on the species.
Some turtles communicate through visual cues like changing the color of their skin or waving their limbs.
Others communicate through vocalizations like grunting hissing or calling.
How do turtles mate?
Male turtles will typically chase after female turtles in order to mate.
The male will then climb on top of the female and grip her shell with his front limbs while he extends his long tail in order to reach her cloaca which is the common opening for the digestive urinary and reproductive tracts.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles of the order Chelonii or Testudines.
However turtles are typically aquatic while tortoises are terrestrial.
Tortoises also have shorter necks and stouter legs than turtles.
