Whats The Similarities and Differences Between a Turtle and a Tortoise - Learning Video

Summary

This video explores the distinctions between turtles and tortoises, two reptiles from the order Testudines. While both have shells for protection, tortoises are land-dwellers with a dome-shaped shell and short, sturdy legs, and are primarily herbivores. Turtles, which can be aquatic or semi-aquatic, have streamlined shells and webbed feet, and their diets vary. Both lay eggs on land, but turtle hatchlings are independent from birth, unlike tortoises which are cared for by their mothers. Tortoises can live up to 150 years, longer than most turtles. The video also touches on their habitats, diets, and geographical distributions.

Takeaways

• 🐢 Tortoises and turtles are reptiles from the order of Chelonia, but they belong to different families.
• 🏜️ Tortoises are land-dwelling creatures, while turtles live in water or spend significant time there.
• 🔗 Both tortoises and turtles have shells consisting of a carapace and plastron, but cannot fully retract their bodies into them.
• 🌳 Tortoises inhabit a variety of land habitats, from deserts to tropical forests, unlike sea turtles which only come ashore to lay eggs.
• 🌊 Not all land turtles are tortoises; for instance, box turtles and wood turtles were historically called tortoises but are not classified as such today.
• 🐣 Both tortoises and turtles lay eggs on land, with the mother digging a burrow and laying 2 to 12 eggs.
• 👣 Tortoises have a dome-shaped shell and short, sturdy legs, while turtles have a flat, streamlined shell and webbed feet with long claws.
• 🥗 Tortoises are primarily herbivores, whereas turtles can be both herbivores and carnivores.
• 🕰️ Tortoises can live as long as humans, up to 80 years or more, with some exceeding 150 years. Turtles typically live 20 to 40 years, with sea turtles living longer.
• 🌍 Geographically, tortoises are mostly found in Asia and Africa, while turtles are found in Africa, America, and tropical regions.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

The primary difference is that tortoises are exclusively land creatures, while turtles live in water some or nearly all of the time.

What are the two parts of a turtle or tortoise's shell called?

The upper part of the shell is called the carapace, and the lower portion is called a plastron.

Do tortoises need water for anything other than drinking?

Tortoises don't have much to do with water other than drinking it and occasionally bathing in it.

How do the habitats of turtles and tortoises differ?

Tortoises live on land in various habitats, while turtles live some or most of the time in the water.

What is the typical process for a turtle or tortoise mother after laying eggs?

The mother will dig a burrow and lay two to twelve eggs, and the hatchlings stay inside the egg for 90 to 120 days incubating on their own.

How do the physical characteristics of a tortoise's shell differ from a turtle's shell?

A tortoise has a dome-shaped shell, while a turtle has a flat, streamlined shell to aid in swimming and diving.

What are the typical diets of tortoises and turtles?

Most land-based tortoises are herbivores, while turtles can be both herbivores and carnivores.

What is the average lifespan of a tortoise compared to a turtle?

Tortoises can live about as long as humans, around 60 to 80 years, with some living over 150 years. In contrast, the common lifespan of a turtle is about 20 to 40 years.

How do the eggs of turtles and tortoises differ?

Turtle eggs are somewhat soft and leather-like, while tortoise eggs are incubated within ping-pong ball-sized eggs for approximately 90 to 120 days.

Where are tortoises and turtles typically found geographically?

Tortoises are found mostly in Asia and Africa, while turtles are found in Africa and America, primarily in tropical and semi-tropical climates.

What is the difference in care requirements for tortoises and turtles as pets?

Tortoises are easier to care for but more expensive to own, and both require owners who are willing and able to keep a very long commitment.