What is Turtle?
The turtle is a reptile of the order Testudines. This order is characterized by a shell enclosing the upper part of the body. The shell is made of a horny beak or cartilaginous material. Their shells protect them from predators, and they have webbed feet that help them swim. Turtles can be found on every continent except for Antarctica, and they come in various sizes and colors. Some turtles can live to be over 100 years old.
The earliest known turtles date from 215 million years ago. Today, some turtle species are highly endangered. Turtles are ectotherms—cold-blooded animals that cannot regulate their body temperature. The turtle size depends on the species, but they can range from a few centimeters to over two meters.
Due to human activity, sea turtles have been struggling to survive for the past 200 years. They are hunted for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells, and their habitats are destroyed. Climate change is also having an impact on turtle nesting sites, which alters the sex of hatchlings. Nearly all species of sea turtles are now classified as endangered, with three of the seven critically endangered.
What is Tortoise?
A tortoise is a reptile of the family Testudinidae, characterized by a large, domed shell. Tortoises constitute a significant part of the order of Testudines, which includes all turtles, terrapins, and tortoises, except for extinct forms.
The tortoise is a reptile that is easily recognized by its unique shell. These animals are found in many different habitats throughout the world. Tortoises are slow-moving animals, but they can move quite quickly when they feel threatened. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the bridges connect the two. A large and valvular cloaca characterizes tortoises. They have large, heavy, stumpy legs and no webbing or claws on their feet. Tortoises are slow-moving animals, but they can move quite quickly when they feel threatened. These animals are kept as pets and can live for many years.
Tortoises are ectothermic, or “cold-blooded,” animals; they cannot internally regulate their body temperature, which means that they rely on their environment to regulate their temperature. Tortoises are found in various habitats, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise
Tortoises and turtles are confused with one another. Both are reptiles of the order Testudines, but there are some critical differences between the two. Turtles are found in water, while tortoises are terrestrial animals. Tortoises have stumpy legs and no webbing or claws on their feet, while turtles have flippers and webbing between their toes.
Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles of the order of Testudines. They are both ectothermic, or “cold-blooded,” animals; they cannot internally regulate their body temperature. Tortoises are found in various habitats, including deserts, forests, and grasslands, and turtles are found in both fresh and saltwater habitats.
This is reflected in the structure of their shells; turtles have flattened shell that helps them to swim, while tortoises have dome-shaped shell that helps them to move on land. Another difference between these two animals is that turtles are smaller than tortoises. Tortoises can also live much longer than turtles; some have been known to live for over 100 years!
Comparison Between Turtle and Tortoise
| Parameter of Comparison | Turtle | Tortoise |
| Kingdom | Animalia | Animalia |
| Shells | Moslty streamlined, flat shells. | Shells with a big dome shape |
| Weight of the Shell | Shells are lightweight | Heavy shells |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Life Span | Average 80-150 years. There is longest living is 326 years old. | Average 20-40 years. |
| Distribution | Africa and America | Primarily found in Asia, and some part of America |