Difference Between Turtles and Tortoise

Understanding the difference between a turtle and a tortoise is not just a matter of zoological knowledge; it’s about appreciating the diversity and uniqueness in the animal kingdom. As students delve into the world of reptiles, distinguishing the turtle and tortoise becomes a crucial part of their learning journey.

This knowledge enhances their understanding of environmental adaptation and evolution. So, let’s embark on this informative exploration to learn what sets these fascinating creatures apart.

What is a Turtle?

Turtles, reptiles inhabiting America and Africa, feature a streamlined and lightweight shell distinct from that of tortoises. Equipped with long claws and webbed feet for efficient swimming, turtles fall into the category of omnivores, consuming both vegetation and meat.

Key Features of Turtle

• Their average lifespan ranges from 20 to 40 years, whereas tortoises can live up to 86 years.
• The unique shell of turtles, comprised of cartilage and bones, serves as a protective shield.
• Classified under the order Testudines, which encompasses both extinct and living species, turtles trace their lineage back to the Middle Jurassic, signifying their antiquity compared to crocodiles and snakes.
• Turtles, known as ectotherms or cold-blooded animals, experience internal temperature variations in response to their environment.
• Due to the high metabolic rates of sea turtles, their body temperature exceeds that of the surrounding water.
• Categorized as amniotes alongside reptiles, mammals, and birds, turtles breathe air and lay eggs on land, with temperature influencing the sex of the offspring.
• The term “turtle” in the United Kingdom denotes water-dwelling animals, though it does not precisely convey taxonomical and biological distinctions among species.
• The leatherback sea turtle stands out as the largest existing chelonian, reaching lengths of 200 cm and weighing around 900 kg.
• Freshwater turtles tend to be smaller, but certain Asian softshell turtles can also attain lengths of 200 cm.
• Turtles exhibit two retraction categories for their body parts into the shell: Pleurodira, with lateral retraction to the side and anterior to the shoulder girdles, and Cryptodira, featuring straight back retraction between the shoulder girdles.
• The flexibility of neck movements, characterized by nine joints and eight vertebrae in the cervical column of recent turtle species, is adapted for feeding rather than protection.
• The outer shell of a turtle, the carapace, and the inner covering the belly, the plastron, are joined by bony structures called bridges.
• The shell incorporates sharp scales known as scutes, formed by a protein called keratin.
• Shells can be brown, olive, or black, with some turtles featuring green-colored shells and various markings, spots, or irregular surfaces.

Scientific Classification of Turtles

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Clade: Testudinata
• Order: Testudines
• Subgroups: Cryptodira and Pleurodira
• Families: 14 living families with approximately 356 species.

Examples of turtles include

1. Sea turtles: Leatherback sea turtles, Green sea turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles
2. Freshwater turtles: Box turtles, Painted turtles, Red-eared sliders
3. Snapping turtles: Common snapping turtle, Alligator snapping turtle

What is a Tortoise?

Tortoises, members of the family Testudinidae and order Testudines, are different from turtles primarily by their terrestrial habitat. Like turtles, tortoises possess a protective shell that shields them from predators and various threats.

One unique feature of tortoises is that their pectoral and pelvic girdles are located within the rib cage, setting them apart among vertebrates. Typically diurnal, tortoises adjust their body temperature based on their surroundings.

Key Features of Tortoises

• Galapagos tortoises can live up to 150 years, with the oldest known tortoise, Adwaita, currently thriving at around 255 years of age.
• Found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, deserts, wet evergreen forests, and mountain areas, tortoises are distributed in regions like southern North America, the Mediterranean Euphoria, sub-Saharan Africa, and various islands.
• Most tortoise species lay relatively small clutches of about 20 eggs.
• Similar to turtles, the carapace and plastron serve as the shell coverings in tortoises.
• The concentric rings on a tortoise’s shell, analogous to tree rings, can offer insights into their age, as tortoises boast the longest lifespan among animals.
• Determining the sex of a tortoise is commonly done by analyzing its tail.
• A small, downward-pointing tail indicates a female, while a longer, upward-pointing tail signifies a male.
• In many species, female tortoises are larger than males, and the curved plastron of males aids in reproduction.
• The incubation period for tortoise eggs is generally lengthy, ranging from 100 to 160 days, with egg-laying occurring predominantly at night.

Scientific Classification of Tortoises

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Suborder: Cryptodira
• Superfamily: Testudinoidea
• Family: Testudinidae

The subgroup of tortoises is Testudo graeca.

Some common tortoise species include:

1. Galapagos tortoises: Giant tortoises native to the Galapagos Islands
2. African spurred tortoises: The third-largest tortoise species
3. Indian star tortoises: Found in India and Sri Lanka

Differences Between Turtle and Tortoise

While both turtles and tortoises boast captivating shells and reptilian charm, they carry unique identities shaped by their distinct lifestyles and habitats. Delving into their differences unveils a fascinating tale of adaptation and evolution. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the key points that set these shelled wonders apart:

Understanding the difference between turtle and tortoise fuels a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of the animal kingdom. It allows us to marvel at the power of evolution, which has sculpted these creatures to thrive in their unique niches.

So, the next time you encounter a turtle or a tortoise, take a moment to appreciate their individual character and the remarkable story of adaptation they embody.

Interesting Facts about Tortoises and Turtles

• The shells of both tortoises and turtles are fused to their bodies, with the inner layer of the shell connected to the skeleton through ribs.
• Neither turtles nor tortoises possess teeth; instead, they are equipped with beaks.
• Turtles, being omnivores, have sharp, ridged teeth, while tortoises have serrated-edged beaks.
• Their hearing is generally limited, as the shells provide significant protection against predators. However, some turtles exhibit good eyesight.
• When it comes to reproduction, both turtles and tortoises lay approximately 20-200 eggs in a sandy patch. Unfortunately, before hatching, these eggs often fall prey to predators such as crows and raccoons. Even after hatching, their vulnerability persists, as they are born without shells and can be consumed by various other species.

FAQs on Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise

What is difference between turtle and tortoise?

The main difference between turtles and tortoises lies in their habitat; turtles live in water, while tortoises dwell on land

What is the difference between turtle and tortoise Class 9?

In Class 9, students learn that turtles and tortoises differ in habitat, with turtles being aquatic and tortoises terrestrial.

Which is more cultural Turtle or Tortoise?

From a cultural perspective, both tortoises and turtles are associated with positive meanings in various cultures. Tortoise: Longevity, wisdom, stability, perseverance. Turtle: Protection, good luck, wealth, fertility.

Which is more lucky turtle or tortoise?

There's no inherent luck associated with turtles or tortoises; it's a personal belief or cultural notion.