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.

Turtle Family Tree

Species List