How much do you know about tortoises and turtles? In this post, we share some fun and fascinating facts about tortoises and turtles that you may not already know. They really are captivating creatures!
All Tortoises are Turtles, But Not All Turtles are Tortoises
Tortoises are a sub-group of turtles, so they are all technically turtles. However some key differences mean that not all turtles can be considered tortoises. Have we confused you yet?!
Tortoises are Ancient
Tortoises have been around for over 230 million years – longer than lizards, birds, mammals, crocodiles and snakes. In fact, turtles coexisted with dinosaurs and survived the conditions that made dinosaurs extinct!
They Can Live a Very Long Time
Some turtles and tortoises can live to over 100 years old – and beyond! One such tortoise was Harriet, who is said to have originally been found and looked after by Charles Darwin from 1835 and later arrived at Australia Zoo in Queensland. She died there in 2006 and was believed to have been 175 at the time.
They Can Live Almost Anywhere
Turtles can live in most climates that are warm enough for them to breed. They live on every single continent except Antarctica!
Turtle Shells are Complex
A turtle shell contains around 50 to 60 interconnected bones. The shell is actually a part of the turtles’ spine and it cannot come off.
A Group of Tortoises is Called a Creep
The main collective noun for turtles on the other hand is a bale. However, most turtles and tortoises are loners who prefer their own company.
The Scales on a Tortoise Shell are Known as Scutes
The hard scales that make up the outer shell of a tortoise are made of the same keratin as human fingernails. This protects against injury, damage and infection.
The Colour of a Tortoise’s Shell Indicates Origin
A lighter shell indicates that a tortoise originally came from a warmer country. The lightest known shade means that the tortoise originates from the southern part of the Sahara Desert.
Turtles Can Hold Their Breath for a Good While
Sea turtles can hold their breath for as long as seven hours when they are resting during the winter. Tortoises and turtles empty their lungs before going back into their shell and can last for some time without coming out for oxygen. If they sense a threat, they can often be heard exhaling in preparation for going into their shell.
It’s Not Easy to Tell Their Sex
It’s not as simple as you might think to tell the sex of a tortoise! It’s often only possible to tell when they reach a particular size, which can vary depending on the breed.
The plastron (the bottom shell) is usually the easiest way to differentiate; it tends to be flatter for females and more curved for males. Generally speaking, male tortoises will be larger than their female counterparts (although this is not always the case). Males also tend to have longer tails.
They Smell With Their Throats
Turtles can smell very well both on land and in water. As is common with reptiles in general, they use the roof of their mouth to smell. This is where their vomeronasal organ (otherwise known as the Jacobson’s Organ) is located. They use it to pump air through the nose and around the mouth.
Turtles Can Feel Through Their Shell
Tortoises and turtles have nerve endings in their shells so they can feel when they are touched there.
There are More than 350 Different Species of Turtle
The most common species of turtle in British waters is the leatherback. They are so-called because of their leathery shell which is unlike other more boney turtle shells.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these interesting facts about tortoises and turtles!
[Photo Credit: Cinder6]
