Difference between Turtles and Tortoises
The differences between Turtles and Tortoises are given below:
Parameter |
Turtles |
Tortoises |
---|---|---|
Definition |
A turtle is defined as a reptile that belongs to the Chelonian family and lives in water. |
A tortoise is defined as a reptile that belongs to the Chelonian family and lives on land. |
Structure of shell |
Turtles have mostly flat and streamlined shells. |
Tortoises have large shaped shells and even some species have bumps on the top. |
Weight of shell |
The shells of turtles are light in weight as compared to tortoises. |
The shells of tortoises are mostly heavier in weight. |
Birth |
The hatchlings of turtle remain in their nest for 90-120 days on their own. |
The hatchlings of tortoise move towards the mothers burrow from their nest immediately after their birth. |
Diet |
Turtles are omnivores as they eat vegetation as well as meat(sea animals). |
Tortoises are mostly herbivores in nature but few species eats smaller living beings too. |
Limbs |
The feet of turtles are majorly webbed and have long claws. |
The feet of tortoises are short and have bent legs. |
Lifespan |
Turtles live for 20 to 40 years of age. The longest living turtle lived for 86 years. |
Tortoise lives for 80 to 150 years of age. The longest living tortoise is 326 years. |
Places where they are mostly found |
Turtles are mostly found in Africa and America. |
Tortoises are mostly found in Africa, Asia and America. |
Difference Between Turtles And Tortoises
Turtles and Tortoises both belong to the family of Testudinidae and Animalia kingdom. The major difference between tortoise and turtle is that tortoise lives on land whereas turtles live in water. Tortoise has a thicker and more robust shell and the shell of the turtle is flat and streamlined. The below article covers the difference between tortoises and turtles.
Table of Content
- Difference between Turtles and Tortoises
- Turtle
- Tortoise
- Turtle Shell vs Tortoise Shell
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