What s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise

Pussing wants to know, thanks to incitatus�for his answer.

�

A.� As far as the scientists are concerned they're all they same thing: turtles. Turtles belong to the order Testudines, tortoises are just a specialised clade or subgroup of this order that are known as the Testudinidae.

�

The distinction between turtles and tortoises is one of habitat rather than any major physical difference. Basically the word tortoise refers to a particular type of turtle that is well adapted to life on land.

�

Q.� But turtles and tortoises do look different

A.� Yes, a tortoise has a high domed shell and thick, elephant like hind legs. In contrast turtles have webbed feet.

�

Q.� So, if a tortoise is nearly the same as a turtle, can they swim

A.� No, they can't. If a tortoise fell into water it would sink like a rock and drown.

�

So, anyone with a pet tortoise should ensure that it can't escape and fall into water and that its drinking bowl is sufficiently shallow enough so that the tortoise can't drown in it.

�

Q.� Which grows bigger, the tortoise or the turtle

A.� The biggest tortoises are the famous giant tortoises that live in the Galapagos Archipelago and Indian Ocean. The largest recorded individual weighted in at 400 kilograms. Mainland tortoises are much smaller in comparison, the biggest, the African spurred tortoise, weighs a mere 90 kilograms.

�

Q.� And the biggest turtles

A.� The winner is the huge leather back sea turtle, which can weigh up to 600 kilograms.

�

Q.� So, to confuse matters further, what are terrapins

A.� Again, they're really turtles and the separate name just refers to a habitat difference. Terrapins live in brackish (slightly salty water of marshes and river inlets along coasts) and fresh water.

�

Whereas, what are commonly referred to as turtles are considered to be sea dwelling creatures.

�

Q.� How long have turtles, tortoises and terrapins been around

A.� They first appeared around 200 million years ago, making them among the most ancient of all living reptiles. During all this time they have remained relatively unchanged. Their long survival record is probably thanks to their shell, which makes a very effective suit of armour.

�

Q.� What is a turtle's shell made of

A.� It’s actually made of the animal's rib cage and spine, fused together in one huge mass.

�

Do you want to know the difference between one animal and a close relative Click here to ask The AnswerBank.

�

by Lisa Cardy