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What is the difference between turtles and tortoises in water?
Turtles generally spend their time in aquatic environments like lakes and oceans. They are being adapted for both swimming and land life. On the other hand, tortoises are terrestrial and reside in deserts or grasslands, and they avoid water due to their inability to swim.
Can turtles live on land?
Yes, some turtles are primarily aquatic but use the beach for basking and nesting. Others are terrestrials, and they spend most of their time on land.
Is it illegal to own a tortoise in India?
Owning tortoise species found in the wild in India, such as the star tortoise, is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. However, possessing exotic tortoises from other parts of the world is generally allowed.
Do tortoises lay eggs?
Yes, tortoises tend to lay several hard eggs at a time. If successful mating with a male tortoise occurs, the eggs will hatch approximately 70–100 days later. Female tortoises can also produce eggs without mating. They sometimes lead to reproductive challenges.
What do turtles eat?
Pet turtles are generally omnivores. They consume animal products, vegetables, and fruits. A well-balanced diet for adult turtles should include a combination of these elements. Younger turtles, between 7 and 10 years old, usually require a higher proportion of animal-sourced foods.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise, Habitat, Adaptations
Difference between turtles and tortoises lies in their habitat adaptation. Turtles are primarily aquatic and suited for swimming. In contrast, tortoises are terrestrial and adapted for land dwelling with a robust shell.
Khushboo Goyal15 May, 2025
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Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise: The Testudines order encompasses turtles and tortoises with distinct habitats and adaptations. Turtles are aquatic and possess flattened shells and webbed feet, while tortoises are terrestrial and have rounded shells and sturdy legs. This habitat separation has allowed turtles and tortoises to evolve distinct roles in the natural world. The difference between a turtle and a tortoise is given below.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise Overview
Turtles and tortoises are members of the Testudines order but differ in several ways, including their habitat, behaviour, and adaptations. Turtles are typically semi-aquatic or aquatic, often found in lakes and oceans. In contrast, tortoises reside in deserts, forests, or grasslands. They have domed and sturdy shells with column-like legs adapted for walking on land. This difference in lifestyle and physical characteristics results in turtles being more water-oriented and tortoises being more land-dwelling.
The differentiation between turtles and tortoises is characterized by different habitat preferences, behaviors, and physical adaptations. Turtles are aquatic and exhibit streamlined shells. In contrast, tortoises have robust, domed shells and column-like legs. It facilitates proficient terrestrial locomotion. The difference between turtle and tortoise are given below in the table.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise
Basis
Turtle
Tortoise
Habitat
Turtles are well-adapted to live in water and often spend much of their lives swimming in lakes, rivers, or oceans.
Tortoises are exclusively land-dwelling creatures. They reside in deserts, forests, or grasslands and avoid aquatic habitats.
Environment
Turtles are commonly found in lakes, rivers, and oceans, where they can swim and dive.
Tortoises inhabit diverse and terrestrial environments. They can live in deserts, forests, and grasslands.
Adaptation
Turtles have flatter shells and webbed feet. It makes them well-suited for efficient swimming in aquatic environments.
Tortoises have sturdy, dome-shaped shells and column-like legs adapted for walking on land.
Shell Shape
The shells of turtles are often streamlined or flatter. They reduce the resistance in the water and facilitate swimming.
They have domed and robust shells that offer protection and support suited for their terrestrial lifestyle.
Legs and Feet
Turtles generally have webbed feet. It aids them in swimming and manoeuvring in aquatic environments.
Tortoises are sturdy, column-like legs designed for walking on land. It enables them to navigate varied terrains easily.
Behaviour in Water
Turtles are comfortable swimmers. They spend considerable time in the water for feeding and basking.
Tortoises generally avoid water, and only occasionally indulge in bathing activities.
Behavior on Land
While turtles can move on land, they often return to the water.
Tortoises are well-adapted for terrestrial locomotion. They spend most of their time on the ground and show limited inclination towards water.
Turtle
Turtles reside in both America and Africa. They have a more streamlined and lighter shell than tortoises. They are equipped with long claws and webbed feet for swimming. Their lifespan averages 20–40 years, while tortoises can live up to 86 years. The shells of turtles are formed of cartilage and bones.
Belonging to the order Testudines, which encompasses extinct and living species, turtles trace their lineage back to the Middle Jurassic. It indicates their antiquity compared to crocodiles or snakes. Turtles are classified as ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals. They can regulate their internal temperature based on the surrounding environment.
Tortoise
Tortoises are classified under the family Testudinidae and order Testudines. They distinguish themselves mainly through their terrestrial habitat compared to turtles. Tortoises have a protective shell. Tortoises can adjust their body temperature based on their environment.
Galapagos tortoises boast an impressive lifespan of up to 150 years, while Adwaita, the longest-living tortoise on record, is approximately 255 years old. Tortoises can occupy diverse environments such as grasslands, deserts, wet evergreen forests, and mountain areas.
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