Today I would like to present our wonderful (not so furry) friend the tortoise, and its best friend the turtle!
Did you know that tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises? Most people use the term āturtleā to reference any reptile with a shell on its back, but there are several differences between these two unique creatures.
Letās have a look at some fun facts!
- TORTOISE
A tortoise cannot swim, but they do have the ability to hold their breath for long periods.
Tortoises have short, thick feet like those of an elephantās.
A tortoiseās shell is heavier and more rounded.
Tortoises get all their water and nutrients from the food they eat.
The largest tortoise species is the Galapagos tortoise which can weigh up to 200 kg and grow up to 1.2 meters long.
- TURTLE
Sea turtles cannot retract their flippers and head into their shells.
Green sea turtles are primarily herbivores, eating mostly seagrasses and algae.
Sea turtles lay their eggs in a nest they dig in the sand with their rear flippers.
Leatherback sea turtles have existed in their current form since the age of the dinosaurs!
Itās estimated that only around 1 in 1,000 marine turtle hatchlings make it to adulthood.
Which other fun facts do you know about a turtle or tortoise? Do you maybe have one as a pet?
- Tortoise
- Turtle
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- Yes
- No
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