Turtle
Turtles are reptiles in the order Testudines, characterized by a bony shell that forms part of the body.
Turtles are reptiles in the order Testudines, defined by a bony shell that is part of their skeleton. They include tortoises and terrapins and live on land, in freshwater, or in the sea.
What it is
Turtles belong to the reptile order Testudines. Their shell, made of a carapace and plastron, is fused to the ribs and spine. They have toothless jaws with a horny beak and can retract their head and limbs into the shell, though not all species do so fully.
Key details
More than 350 living species exist worldwide, except in Antarctica. Turtles lay eggs on land, even aquatic ones. Diet varies by species: herbivorous, omnivorous, or carnivorous. Some species live over a century, and egg temperature can determine offspring sex.
Why it matters
Turtles are among the oldest reptile lineages, with fossils from the Triassic period. In Canada, native species include freshwater turtles and the endangered leatherback sea turtle in Atlantic waters.
In short
- Turtles are reptiles with a bony shell that is part of their skeleton.
- They live on land, in freshwater, and in the sea across most of the world.
- All turtles lay eggs on land, and some species can live over 100 years.
- Canada hosts several native turtle species, including the endangered leatherback.
Canada is home to several native turtle species, including freshwater turtles and the endangered leatherback sea turtle in Atlantic waters.
Quick questions
What is a turtle?
Are tortoises and terrapins turtles?
Where do turtles live?
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/turtle-reptileSupports: Definition, classification, habitat range, and species count
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TurtleSupports: Shell anatomy and major living turtle groups
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/turtleSupports: General definition and habitat categories
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/turtles-0Supports: Species count, distribution, and order Testudines
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/turtle/277471Supports: Evolutionary age, shell as part of body, and classification
- Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/turtle/353877Supports: Habitats, egg-laying, lifespan, and general characteristics
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/turtle-reptileSupports: Age, habitats, diet, size range, and conservation status