What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles from the order of Testudines, but in different classification families. The major difference between the two is that tortoises dwell on land, while turtles live in the water some or nearly all of the time.

The bodies of tortoises and turtles are both shielded by a shell, the upper part of which is called carapace, with the lower portion called a plastron. The carapace and the plastron are attached by a bridge, which means that though the head and limbs of a turtle or tortoise may be withdrawn from the shell, the whole body can never be totally detached from it. These reptiles are generally reclusive and shy in nature.

Turtles live some or most of the time in the water, while tortoises live on land. Both turtles and tortoises lay eggs on the ground. The mother will dig a burrow and lay two to twelve eggs there. The future hatchlings will stay inside the egg for 90 to 120 days, incubating on their own. Once the incubation process is complete, they dig their way to the surface. Tortoise mothers provide protection to the hatchlings for about 80 days, after which they survive on their own, but turtle hatchlings are on their own from birth.

More Info: www.diffen.com

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

31 Comments

Gail White

I think you did a good job with the question. I learn something and then I learn some more especially from the people with constructive comments.

Rob Bowman

No tortoises in Australia, unfortunately the nutters that black market trade reptiles as pets have illegally introduced the red eared slider and this nasty invasive pest is displacing native turtles from their habitat in some areas.

Char

I think it was s great question and you explained it well

Omar Mung

Mitch (the turtle) McConnell lurked about the US Capital (i. e. the swamp) for many years.

JRW

Irene Townsend, Galápagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) are the largest extant terrestrial cold-blooded animals and can weigh up to 417 kg. Only leatherback turtles are bigger.

JRW

Player, terrapins are a group of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, often found in fresh or brackish water, that have clawed feet for movement on land.

JRW

Jas Newman, terrapins are a group of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, often found in fresh or brackish water, that have clawed feet for movement on land.