Turtles and Tortoises

Testudines (turtles and tortoises) are known as the ‘ancient reptiles’. Their natural history can be traced back over 200 million years; to the time of the dinosaurs. Turtles are aquatic and live predominantly in or near freshwater or the sea. They are perfectly adapted to spending large amounts of time underwater and may either have webbed feet or flippers, however all turtles must come to the surface to breathe. Tortoises, on the other hand, are entirely terrestrial. They have strong claws that help them dig burrows and walk over rocky, uneven ground. Tortoises are mostly herbivorous, eating plants that have a lot of moisture, whereas turtles are more omnivorous, eating plants, insects, and other small animals.