Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Main Characteristics of Turtles
- Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles.
- The first turtles evolved over 220 million years ago.
- There are over 360 species.
- Most turtles live on land or in fresh water. Only seven species live in the sea.
- The turtles' closest relatives are crocodiles.
- Turtles have a shell. It can be hard or soft. It protects the animal from injuries.
- Turtles have a good sense of vision and sense of smell.
- Turtles don't have teeth.
- Turtles lay eggs.
- The largest and heaviest tortoise is the leatherback turtle.
- The oldest turtle lived to be 256 years old. It is also the oldest land animal.
