Introduction to Turtles & Tortoises

According to fossil records, turtles and tortoises have inhabited the earth for nearly 200 million years and are indigenous to every continent except Antarctica. Today, there are approximately 250 recorded species of turtles and tortoises that, biologically speaking, make up the order called Chelonia. All Chelonians lay eggs.

Chelonians come from many different environments, including temperate forests and fields, deserts, tropical rain forests, freshwater lakes and ponds, and the ocean. A few turtles and tortoises are carnivores, eating insects and fish, while others eat only vegetables and fruits, and some are omnivores. Like other reptiles, the body temperature of turtles and tortoises are regulated by an external heat source.

These creatures generally are classified in three groups: Turtles (and terrapins) are primarily aquatic, with a flattened carapace or upper shell, which allows them to move easily in water. Tortoises are mainly land animals and have a highly domed carapace. Box turtles are a separate group, but share most characteristics with tortoises, including a domed upper shell.