Tortoises (/ ˈ t ɔːr t ə s. ɪ z / TOR-təs-iz) are reptiles of the family Testudinidae of the order Testudines (Latin for "tortoise"). Like other turtles, tortoises have a shell to protect from predation and other threats.

There are six types of tortoises in North America, each adapted to different environments. Unlike aquatic turtles, tortoises are strictly land-dwelling, with high-domed shells, thick legs, and no webbed feet. Instead of escaping into water, they rely …

2022年9月6日 · Tortoises have elephantine hind limbs, whilst other turtles have flipper-like limbs and webbed feet that help them move through the water. Tortoises inhabit a range of habitats, from arid deserts to exotic tropical forests; turtles spend most of their lives underwater.

Dive into tortoise ecology and learn about their habitats, diets, and the challenges they face in the modern world.

2025年2月27日 · There are about 49 species of tortoises, and they range in size from the padlopers (Homopus) of southern Africa, with shell lengths of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches), to the giant tortoises (Geochelone) of the Aldabra and Galapagos islands, …

Most land based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grazing grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers and certain fruits. Their main diet consists of alfalfa, clover, dandelions and leafy weeds. Female tortoises dig and lay about a dozen eggs in burrows or holes they dig.

Learn all about the tortoise – what it is, the different types of tortoises, what they look like, how big they get, their difference vs turtles, and more.

2019年3月16日 · Wild Tortoise Species. There are a variety of different tortoises which are unsuited to domestic settings, best viewed in the wild, or at a designated reserve or zoo, and sadly many of these fascinating creatures are endangered.