Turtle

Turtle is a reptile that belongs to the order Testudines. They are characterized by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield. The term "turtle" is generally used to describe all members of the order, including tortoises and terrapins.

Anatomy and Morphology

Turtles have a hard shell that protects them from predators. This shell is made up of the carapace on the top and the plastron on the bottom. The shell is part of the turtle's skeleton, and it grows with the turtle. Turtles also have a beak and no teeth. They have a slow metabolism and can live for a long time, some species even for more than 100 years.

Classification

Turtles are classified into two suborders: Cryptodira and Pleurodira. The Cryptodira is the larger of the two groups and includes all the marine turtles, the terrestrial tortoises, and many of the freshwater turtles. The Pleurodira are sometimes known as the side-necked turtles, a reference to the way they withdraw their heads into their shells.

Habitat and Distribution

Turtles are found in various habitats including deserts, forests, wetlands, and marine environments. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Some species of turtles are aquatic and spend most of their lives in water, while others are terrestrial and spend most of their lives on land.

Conservation

Many species of turtles are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. Conservation efforts are being made worldwide to protect these species and their habitats.

See Also

• Tortoise
• Terrapin
• Sea Turtle
• Conservation of Turtles

Turtle Resources
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