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| A Picture of Indian Star Tortoise |
What Sets Turtles and Tortoises Apart?
At first glance,turtles and tortoises may appear quite similar,as they both belong to the taxonomic order called Testudines,known for their bony or cartilaginous shells.However,the primary distinction between these two remarkable reptiles lies in their habitats.
Tortoises are terrestrial creatures,exclusively dwelling on land.In contrast,turtles are primarily aquatic,spending a significant portion of their lives in water,whether in oceans or freshwater bodies,only coming ashore for egg-laying purposes.
This habitat-driven adaptation is reflected in their physical attributes.Turtles boast streamlined,flat,and thin shells that aid in reducing water resistance when they swim.Their limbs are often equipped with webbed feet,resembling flippers,which facilitate their movements in aquatic environments.Tortoises,on the other hand,possess domed shells and sturdy limbs that are well-suited for navigating life on land,such as the famous giant tortoises of the Galapagos.
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Species of Turtles and Tortoises:
The two turtles and tortoises come in different species,each with its extraordinary qualities. For turtles,there are seven unique types,including hawksbill,loggerhead,leatherback,olive ridley,green,flatback,and Kemp's ridley.The leatherback turtle,the biggest among them,can grow up to an amazing six feet long and weight up to 2,000 pounds.
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| A Picture of Snake Turtle |
Both marine turtles and tortoises undertake migrations,but the scale differs.Marine turtles embark on epic journeys,swimming thousands of miles and remarkably returning to the very beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs.Tortoises,while also migrating,do so on a smaller scale,moving from highlands to coastal lowlands for egg-laying purposes.
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The difference in their habitats also influences their dietary preferences.Tortoises are primarily herbivorous, nourishing themselves on a diet of cacti,grass,fruit,weeds,and other vegetation.In contrast,turtles are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of foods,including fish,small invertebrates,seaweed,and aquatic algae.Their voracious appetite often leads them to consume anything in their path.
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| A Picture of Giant Tortoise |
The Lesser-Known Siblings:
It's worth noting that some small-shelled reptiles living in freshwaters and brackish waters are known as terrapins.These creatures are distinct from both turtles and tortoises and are often found in local ponds and lakes.Terrapins possess sharp claws and a snapping jaw,making them formidable in their own right.
Where to Encounter Sea Turtles and Giant Tortoises:
When thinking of turtles,one often envisions the Galapagos Islands,and for a good reason.The Galapagos Islands,located in the Pacific Ocean,about 600 miles from continental Ecuador,are home to Pacific green sea turtles and the iconic giant tortoises.
The giant Galapagos tortoise,unique to these islands,has captured the imagination of many.Lonesome George,one of the most famous giant tortoises,lived to be approximately 100 years old.Scientists believe that giant tortoises can live up to 150 years,and their existence spans remarkable periods of history,from the invention of electricity to the internet era.
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| A Picture of Giant Galapagos Tortoise |
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However,the conservation of these remarkable creatures has been challenging.Some subspecies have become extinct despite efforts to preserve them.These giant tortoises exhibit distinct shell shapes,influenced by their geographic locations on the islands.Santa Cruz Island's giant tortoises have dome-shaped shells,well-suited for feeding on grass in lush vegetation,while tortoises from Española Island possess "saddleback" shells,facilitating their ability to reach difficult-to-access vegetation.
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| A Picture of Hawksbill Sea Turtle |
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| Another Picture of Hawksbill Sea Turtle |
Green ocean turtles,another intriguing species,are exceptionally transitory.They navigate immense distances,from Baja California in Mexico to Costa Rica,the Galapagos Islands,and Peru,sometimes wandering as far west as Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.Their carapace can show different colors,ranging from olive to brown or in any event,black,depending on their natural surroundings.
To witness these incredible reptiles up close,you can choose from a variety of small-group Galapagos trips.One such option is the "Classic Galapagos" trip offered by Natural Habitat Adventures.This immersive travel experience provides opportunities to swim with sea lions and turtles,spot whales,and spend a night at Tortoise Camp,a private camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
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| A Picture of Alligator Snapping Turtle |
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Challenges Faced by Turtles and Tortoises:
Despite their resilience,both turtles and tortoises face significant challenges in the modern world.Nearly all seven sea turtle species are endangered,with climate change,water pollution, habitat loss,fisheries bycatch,and human activities such as egg stealing and hunting for their skin and meat contributing to their decline.
Green sea turtles,in particular,are vulnerable due to their inability to retract their heads and limbs inside their shells,making them easy targets for predators and humans who steal their eggs.Light pollution from human establishments also confuses hatchlings,diverting them away from the ocean and decreasing their chances of survival.
Giant tortoises are also under threat,primarily due to historical exploitation for meat and the presence of introduced species like dogs and cats that prey on the young tortoises.Additionally,competition for vegetation from cattle further threatens their survival.Conservation efforts,including tortoise-breeding projects,are in place to bolster the depleted populations of these long-living reptiles.
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| A Picture of Pinzon Giant Turtle |
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Guests on Nat Hab's Galapagos trips have the opportunity to visit a sustainable farm,Montemar,run by Roberto Plaza.The farm supports the restoration of tortoise ecosystems,an essential migration route for these rare creatures.Funds from the farm are allocated for research to study giant tortoise behavior, food preferences,resting places,and to track these gentle giants' movements.
Distinguishing Turtles and Tortoises:
A Closer Look:
Turtles and tortoises both belong to the order Testudines,but they fall into different classification families.The primary distinction lies in their habitats and certain anatomical features.
-Habitat:
Turtles are primarily aquatic,spending most of their lives in the water, while tortoises are exclusively terrestrial,residing on land.Tortoises dig burrows to lay their eggs, and once hatched,the young tortoises are on their own.In contrast,turtle hatchlings stay in their nests for 90-120 days and often need to make their way to the ocean independently.
-Physical Characteristics:
Turtles possess flat shells with webbed feet,including long claws.Their bodies are adapted for swimming,with some species even having flippers.In contrast,tortoises exhibit dome-shaped shells,short and sturdy feet,and bent legs.Their anatomy is optimized for navigating terrestrial landscapes,such as the mountainous terrain of the Galapagos Islands.Notably,the hind-limb anatomy of tortoises consists of elephantine or columnar hind limbs and feet, distinguishing them from other turtles.
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| A Picture of Stinkpot Turtle |
Shell Distinctions:
The shells covering these reptiles' bodies are crucial to their survival and offer valuable insights into their lifestyles.Turtles,being aquatic creatures, have shells that are flat and streamlined,aiding in swimming and diving. These shells are designed to minimize water resistance and maximize their agility in the water.
Tortoises,on the other hand, have large,dome-shaped shells that provide them with protection against predators.These shells are notably heavier than those of turtles.The weight of a tortoise's shell is a critical adaptation for their life on land,as it allows them to move effectively and provides defense against potential threats.
Dietary Preferences:
Another aspect that sets turtles and tortoises apart is their dietary preferences.Tortoises are primarily herbivores, consuming a diet rich in cacti,grass,fruit,weeds,and various vegetation found on land.Their digestive systems are adapted to process plant matter efficiently.
Turtles,on the other hand,show a more differed diet.They can be omnivores,consuming an extensive variety of foods,including fruits,vegetables,leafy vegetation,and even meat.This flexibility in their eating routine permits them to flourish in different oceanic conditions.
Reproduction:
Turtles vs.Tortoises:
The reproductive processes of turtles and tortoises also differ.Turtles typically lay eggs with shells that are somewhat soft and leather-like,a characteristic common to many reptiles.Turtle hatchlings remain in their nests for approximately 90-120 days before emerging.
In contrast,female tortoises dig burrows to lay their eggs, typically ranging from 2 to 12 eggs.Tortoise hatchlings go through an incubation period within these ping-pong-ball-sized eggs, which lasts around 90-120 days.
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| Another Picture of Map Turtle |
Lifespan:
The life expectancies of turtles and tortoises vary significantly.Tortoises are eminent for their noteworthy life span and can live however long humans,with life expectancies going from 60 to 80 years.A few outstanding individuals have been known to live for over 150 years,with the longest verified tortoise life expectancy being a astounding 188 years.
Turtles,on the other hand,have moderately more limited lifespans,averaging around 20 to 40 years.Ocean turtles,known for their lengthy migrations,typically arrive at maturity after 40 to 50 years,showcasing the extended timeline required for their development.
While claims of tortoises living over 200 years in captivity exist,verifying these remarkable lifespans can be challenging.Maintaining such extraordinary longevity often necessitates controlled and nurturing environments.
Turtles and Tortoises as Pets:
Both turtles and tortoises are kept as pets,though small turtles are more commonly owned.It's important to note that both require committed owners willing to provide long-term care.Keeping these creatures as pets is a substantial commitment and should be undertaken with careful consideration, as they can live for several decades.
Geographical Distribution:
Tortoises are pre-dominatingly found in Asia and Africa,with a few animal categories likewise existing in the Americas.Their dissemination traverses a different scope of habitats,from bone-dry deserts to lush tropical forests.In contrast,turtles can be found in Africa and the Americas,with an inclination for tropical and semi-tropical climates.
Some turtles are known for hibernating during colder weather,primarily alongside riverbanks.Tortoises,on the other hand,are not known for hibernating,as their habitats typically offer warm and stable temperatures.
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| A Picture of Desert Tortoise |
Frequently asked questions and answers:
1.Q:Why are tortoises called turtles?
A:Tortoises are often called turtles due to their similar appearance,but they are different species.
2.Q:Is a turtle also a tortoise?:
A:Turtle is not Turtles are more adjusted for swimming in water,while turtles are not.
3.Q:What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise in water?
A:Turtles are more adjusted for swimming in water,while turtles are not.
4.Q:Which is lucky,a turtle or a tortoise?
A:In some cultures,both turtles and tortoises are considered lucky,but it varies.
5.Q:What is the physical difference between a turtle,a tortoise,and a terrapin?
A:Physical differences include turtles having webbed feet,tortoises having stumpy legs,and terrapins being in between.
6.Q:What are two differences between turtles and tortoises?
A:Two key differences are habitat (turtles in water,tortoises on land) and leg structure.
7.Q:What is the difference between turtle and tortoise size?
A:Turtles are generally smaller than tortoises,especially in the legs and overall body size.
8.Q:What is the difference between turtle and tortoise food?
A:Turtle diets are more varied and may include aquatic plants,while tortoises primarily eat plants.
9.Q:What is the age difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
A:The age difference varies by species;tortoises can live longer than many turtles.
10.Q: What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise lifespan?
A:Generally tortoises have longer lifespans compared to most turtles.
11.Q:What's faster,a turtle or a tortoise?
A:Turtles are faster in water,but on land,tortoises can be faster over short distances.
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| Another Picture of Desert Tortoise |
Naturalist,library specialist,
information retrieval specialist,
biodiversity conservation worker.
He obtained Masters degree from
University of Dhaka in information science.
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