Turtle and tortoise в чем разница
Difference between Turtle and Tortoise
Turtles and tortoises belong to one of most ancient reptile families, and have existed for 157 million years. They are older than snakes and crocodiles, but some turtle species are now highly endangered due to human consumption. Turtles belong to the order Testudines (from Latin word testudo or “tortoise”) which includes freshwater and sea-dwelling types. Let us find out if there are major differences between these two reptiles.
Summary Table
| Turtle | Tortoise |
| Mostly aquatic reptiles. | Mostly land-based turtles. |
| Most have flippers or webbed feet, lighter and flatter shells. | Most have short, sturdy legs and heavier shells. |
| Usually omnivorous. | Usually herbivorous. |
Descriptions
The definition of the word “turtle” varies depending on where you are in the world. In North America, it is a blanket term that includes tortoises and terrapins. The British use the word turtle to refer to the sea-dwelling species. Other species of turtles include tortoises and terrapins. Tortoises generally live on land, while terrapins normally inhabit brackish waters such as in estuaries where freshwater mixes with seawater. In Spain, tortuga is used to refer to turtles, terrapins, and dolphins.
The largest living turtle is the leatherback sea turtle. Its shell can grow up to 6.6 feet or 200 centimeters and can be as heavy as 900 kilograms or 2,000 lbs. The smallest turtle, just 3.1 inches or 8 centimeters in length, is the speckled padloper tortoise found in South Africa.
Turtles have lighter shells than land-dwelling tortoises. Flatter, lighter shells allow aquatic turtles to swim better and faster. Large spaces in the shell called fontanelles make the shells lighter. Most turtles are omnivores feeding on aquatic plants, snails, worms, and insects. Certain species are known to feed on dead marine animals, small fish, and other marine animals. Sea turtles eat jellyfish and other smaller marine creatures.
Turtles have webbed feet for swimming and long, strong claws for climbing up riverbanks or logs. Some turtle species have developed flippers with shorter claws rather than webbed feet. Some aquatic turtles have their eyes near the top of their head, allowing them a better view above the water.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The tortoise is a land-dwelling reptile that belongs to the Testudinidae family. It is under the order Testudines, along with sea-dwelling and aquatic turtles. Tortoises usually have heavier shells than their close relatives and are generally known to be more solitary.
As mentioned earlier, the words tortoise, turtle, and terrapin are used interchangeably depending on the region you’re in. However, according to the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the term “turtle” covers all land and sea turtles under the order Testudines. They use the term tortoise to point specifically to the slow-moving land species.
Found usually in Africa and Asia, tortoises are generally plant-eaters feeding on weeds, grasses, green leaves, and even flowers. Some tortoise species are omnivores that feed on insects and worms.
One of the more distinct characteristics of tortoises as land-dwellers are their short and sturdy feet. They are extremely slow, walking at 0.27 kilometers per hour or 0.17 miles per hour.
Turtle vs Tortoise
What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise then? Using the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists definition, a turtle is a reptile with a hard, bony shell belonging to the order of Testudines which includes all sea, land, and other aquatic turtles. The term tortoise is used to describe most land-dwelling turtles. With this definition, we can highlight their general differences.
A turtle is a reptile with a hard, bony shell belonging to the order of Testudines. The tortoise belongs to the same order but is under a different classification. Most turtles live as sea-dwellers, while some are amphibious, meaning they can live on both land and sea. There are freshwater turtles and other species that live in estuaries where freshwater meets seawater. A tortoise is another species that mostly live on land.
Most aquatic turtles have developed flippers, along with lighter and flatter shells that allow them to swim more efficiently in the water. Other turtles have webbed feet with claws to climbing up logs and muddy riverbanks. Tortoises have short but strong limbs that give them mobility on land.
Turtles have been known to swim in the sea in groups (called a bale), while tortoises are recognized as solitary animals. Most turtles are omnivores feeding on aquatic plants, snails, worms, and even dead marine animals while tortoises are usually herbivores that like eating grasses, weeds, and flowers.
Video
Here’s a quick video that highlights a few important differences between these two reptiles:
Turtle vs. Tortoise
Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles from the order of Testudines, but in different classification families. The major difference between the two is that tortoises dwell on land, while turtles live in the water some or nearly all of the time.
The bodies of tortoises and turtles are both shielded by a shell, the upper part of which is called carapace, with the lower portion called a plastron. The carapace and the plastron are attached by a bridge, which means that though the head and limbs of a turtle or tortoise may be withdrawn from the shell, the whole body can never be totally detached from it. These reptiles are generally reclusive and shy in nature.
Comparison chart
| Tortoise | Turtle | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Definition | A Tortoise is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well on land. | A Turtle is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well in the water. |
| Distribution | Found mostly in Asia and Africa but some species exist in Americas too. | Africa, America. |
| Shape of the shell | Mostly large dome shaped shells (with bumps on the top in some species). | Mostly flat, streamlined shells. |
| Weight of the shell | The shells are heavier. | Generally light-weight shell. |
| Limbs | Feet are short and sturdy with bent legs. | Webbed feet with long claws. |
| Diet | Most are herbivores, but some species prefer live food. | Eats fruits, veggies, leafy vegetation and meat, hence they are omnivores. |
| Birth | Tortoise hatchlings move from their nest to the mothers burrow soon after birth. | Turtle hatchlings stay in their nest on their own for 90-120 days. |
| Lifespan | 80-150 years. The longest living Tortoise is 326 years. | 20-40 years. The oldest was 86 years. |
| Kingdom | Animalia | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines (a.k.a., Chelonii) | Testudines (a.k.a., Chelonii) |
| Family | Testudinidae | Numerous families, including Carettochelyidae (pig-nosed turtle), Dermatemydidae (Central American river turtles), Emydidae (pond/water turtles), etc. |
Differences in Habitat
Turtles live some or most of the time in the water, while tortoises live on land. Both turtles and tortoises lay eggs on the ground. The mother will dig a burrow and lay two to twelve eggs there. The future hatchlings will stay inside the egg for 90 to 120 days, incubating on their own. Once the incubation process is complete, they dig their way to the surface. Tortoise mothers provide protection to the hatchlings for about 80 days, after which they survive on their own, but turtle hatchlings are on their own from birth.
Differences in Physical Characteristics
A tortoise has a dome-shaped shell and short and sturdy feet. Its legs are bent instead of being straight and directly under the body. A turtle has a flat, streamlined shell and limbs that are quite similar to a tortoise’s, but the turtle’s feet are webbed and have long claws which provide a good grip upon floating logs and help the reptile climb onto riverbanks. Some turtles might even have flippers, as is the case for the pig-nosed turtle.
Tortoise vs. Turtle Shell
The shells that cover the body of these reptiles are very important as they give researchers a fair idea of how these reptiles live. As turtles generally prefer to live in water, the shell of a turtle is flat and streamlined to aid in swimming and diving, while the shell of a tortoise, which lives on land, is rather large and dome-shaped to provide protection from predators. Also, the shell of a tortoise is quite heavy when compared to a turtle’s shell, which is lighter to avoid sinking and to increase swimming speed.
Differences in Diet
Most land-based tortoises are herbivores while turtles can be both herbivores and carnivores. This is a video of a turtle eating a pigeon.
Reproduction of Turtles vs. Tortoises
The eggs from a turtle are somewhat soft and leather-like, similar to the eggs produced by other reptiles. Turtle hatchlings stay in their nest on their own for 90-120 days.
Female tortoises dig burrows in which they lay anywhere from 2 to 12 eggs. Hatchlings take approximately 90-120 days to incubate within the ping-pong-ball sized eggs.
Difference in Lifespan
Tortoises can live about as long as humans, around 60-80 years, but some have been known to live for over 150 years. The longest verified tortoise life span was 188 years.
In contrast, the common lifespan of a turtle is about 20-40 years, while sea turtles average 60 to 70 years, with about 40 to 50 years of that required to reach maturity.
While it is sometimes reported that tortoises have lived for over 200 years in captivity, confirming the validity of these claims has been difficult. Most tortoises can live over 100 years in captivity, but living beyond that age requires carefully controlled, nurturing environments.
As Pets
Both are kept as pets, though small turtles are more commonly owned. Tortoises are actually easier to care for, but more expensive to own. Both require owners who are willing and able to keep a very long commitment. As such, neither is recommended as a pet in many cases.
Geographical Distribution
Tortoises are found mostly in Asia and Africa, while turtles are found in Africa and America. Turtles are primarily found in tropical and semi-tropical climates, similar to those preferred by most lizards, as they require warmer external temperatures to maintain proper body warmth. However, some turtles are known for hibernating during colder weather, usually alongside riverbanks. Tortoises are not known for hibernating, as their habitats are almost entirely warm, though some species can greatly limit their metabolism during periods of little or no food and water.
Turtle and tortoise в чем разница
Turtles mostly live in the sea or the ocean. (saltwater) They only come to land to lay eggs.
Tortoises live on dry land. They aren’t good swimmers, but they will go to water sometimes to clean and drink.
Terrapins are found by ponds and lakes. (freshwater) They swim often but also spend a lot of time on land enjoying the sun and digging holes.
However, in US English, we tend to call all of these «turtles» in everyday conversation. Some people may understand the difference between turtles and tortoises, but most people don’t know the word «terrapin.»
Turtles mostly live in the sea or the ocean. (saltwater) They only come to land to lay eggs.
Tortoises live on dry land. They aren’t good swimmers, but they will go to water sometimes to clean and drink.
Terrapins are found by ponds and lakes. (freshwater) They swim often but also spend a lot of time on land enjoying the sun and digging holes.
However, in US English, we tend to call all of these «turtles» in everyday conversation. Some people may understand the difference between turtles and tortoises, but most people don’t know the word «terrapin.»
Turtles VS Tortoises: 7 Critical Differences & Similarities You Should Know
Remember your grade-school geometry? When you were a kid learning about parallelograms (four-sided shapes) did your teacher ever mention turtles?
They could have. The two groups have something in common. Just like one is a specific kind of shape, the other’s a specific kind of reptile – and it’s NOT always easy to tell which!
Just as not all squares are rectangles (even though all rectangles are squares) all tortoises may be turtles… but not all turtles are tortoises.
However, they have got A LOT in common. As reptiles, they share many physical traits – anatomical structures like the cloaca, for instance.
To discover more of the most critical differences and similarities between these creatures, simply keep reading!
Turtles Vs Tortoises Similarities
Similarity #1: General Anatomy
Both turtles and tortoises are ectotherms – cold-blooded. They rely on the environment to regulate their body processes, so they can’t get too cool. In low temperatures, their heartbeats and metabolisms slow down to a dangerous level.
However, this isn’t to say that they like heat all the time. They suffer in extreme temperatures of both kinds, but tolerate cold worse.
Additionally, both turtles and tortoises lay eggs. This is done by ‘clutch’, meaning several at once, into excavated nests of earth or sand.
Afterwards, the mother buries her brood to protect them from scavengers. She then wanders off, her role in the drama complete; hatchlings are self-sufficient from the moment they break through their shells.
Both turtles and tortoises eschew teeth for hard, keratinous beaks , ideal implements with which to clip, trim and prune. Though used primarily to crush fruit and shear through plant fibers, they can fetch potential predators a nasty bite!
Some, like the famously bad-tempered alligator snapper of America’s Deep South, have even nipped off fingers!
Similarity #2: Shell
The shell is a tri-part composite outgrowth of the ribs and spine that’s both armor AND a mobile house.
The bottom part, called a plastron, covers the animal’s belly; this is its thinnest, most vulnerable point. It’s sheathed in protective ‘scutes’ – scales made of keratin, just like most horns and claws.
On both sides, bone ‘bridges’ connect it to the top part – the carapace. But for a few rare exceptions, all chelonian carapaces are built the same way.
Have you ever seen illustrations of ships being built out of wood?
On top of the bone is a layer of skin, itself covered with more scutes. They each have their own special name, and they’re all arranged basically the same way.
By comparing various scute sizes (not to mention positions) scientists can tell the difference between species that look alike.
Which is all well and good for individuals, but what about turtles at large? So far, we’ve heard what they have in common with other Chelonians: a lot. But…
There’s a reason that they’re classified as separate groups, right? Why?
How are they unique?
What separates a turtle from a tortoise?
⭐️Fun Fact: Did you know that the internal layer of the shell consists of more than 60 separate pieces?! These pieces are comprised of both dermal bone – the (comparatively) lighter, smoother stuff that makes up structures like pelvises, sternums and jaws –and the tougher, more ossified skeletal bone.
Turtles Vs Tortoises Differences
Difference #1: Environment
In a hierarchy of shelled reptiles, tortoises stand as the family’s sole ‘land-only’ branch.
Of all their relatives, they alone lack any means for surviving in aqueous environments. No webbed feet – your tortoise has horned, scaly toes, like those of a miniature elephant.
You see, a tortoise has no reason to evolve a means for latching onto floating objects. Absent outside interference, such issues don’t arise for tortoises.
Which brings us to our next difference…
Difference #2: Swimming
Point blank? Tortoises stay out of the water, because tortoises CAN’T swim.
They’re simply not designed for it. In part (a large part) that’s because of their shells – awkward, cumbersome, dome-shaped things that weigh anywhere from 20 to 900 pounds!
While those of their aquatic cousins (such as the Red-Eared Slider ) evolved to be better for swimming – lighter, and streamlined to reduce drag – the sole function of a tortoise shell is body armor.
The bony plating fused to their ribs and spines is a primary means of protection for these creatures.
They’re not very fast, achieving top speeds of about 1 mile per hour, but their formidable carapaces are proof against fangs, claws, and beaks.
Though certain eagles have achieved a reliable success rate with the ‘drop it from a great height onto very sharp rocks’ technique (as was learned by poor Aeschylus ) most predators wind up choosing not to bother.
Difference #3: Shedding
Turtles shed their scutes. One of many reasons that they bask so much is to dry the structures, making them more liable to flake.
This doesn’t just remove old stuff but make room for the new underneath.
If a turtle can’t shed its scutes, it starts to shed abnormally (a condition called dysecdysis).
A tortoise, on the other hand, sheds nothing.
If you’ve ever had occasion to look closely at a tortoise shell, you might have noticed how the hills and contours of the surface have a certain… layered look?
Sort of like the cross-section of a tree-stump, except 3-dimensional?
That’s because keratin is constantly growing in, pushing the old layers up from underneath. Jaws don’t fit well around the high, curved shape, making it difficult to bite through.
And those rare instances in which a land-bound carnivore is able to snag snacks of tortoise meat? Well, it’s more often than not due to the tortoise being young.
You see, a turtle’s shell can’t grow and develop the right way without some specific conditions, and – until it fully hardens – the creature will be vulnerable.
This means they have to watch out for a variety of potential predators.
Some species on the ‘to be watched for’ list in that regard include:
Difference #4: Lifespan
But, what about when it comes to laps around the sun?
Who exactly has the edge?
As it turns out, turtles also have a shorter lifespan. While a turtle would be lucky to make 75 years, tortoises last closer to 200. Some of history’s greatest companion tortoises went on to fame that way.
Timothy, for instance, (c. 1844-2004) served in the UK royal navy and lived through the Crimean war. She finally retired in 1892.
Taken in by the Earl of Devon as a reward for distinguished service, she lived out the rest of her days at Powderham castle before expiring at age 160.
Tu’i Malila was a female radiated tortoise from Madagascar. Whether innocent shipboard immigrant or gift of Captain James Cook, she lived with the Tongan royal family until her death at 219.
⭐️Fun Fact: Did you know, the oldest tortoise on human record was Adwaita? Born sometime around 1750, he lived with Lord Clive of the British East India Company before moving to the Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata, India. He was about 250 when he passed away, killed by liver failure from an unforeseen infection.
The significant lifespan of a tortoise should be a major consideration for those who want a pet tortoise .
Alternatively, baby box turtles are some of the most commonly sold reptile pets in the US.
If you’re considering getting one, you can learn how to care for it with our beginner-friendly baby box turtle care guide.
Difference #5: Diet
Tortoises need a lot of calcium as building up that big, heavy shell requires it in gross amounts.
Similarly, turtles need vitamin-D3 to achieve optimal bone growth and phosphorus to regulate chemical reactions.
They both have to have certain nutrients and minerals, but go about getting them in very different ways.
Your tortoise is primarily an herbivore. Although, diets do vary depending on factors like species, age and natural environment, they err on the greenery side.
There is no one plant the animals prefer; they are browsers, lumbering slowly over vast distances, gnawing on a little bit of everything.
Protein sources can vary depending on species, ranging from worms and insects to small fish.
Wrapping Up Turtles VS Tortoises
So we see there are, in fact, differences between a turtle and a tortoise. Many, many differences indeed. The examples here touched on represent a much broader wealth of information, ready and waiting for curious seekers of knowledge.
Anyone wanting to know more should take advantage of countless resources available on identifying turtles and investigate. Go forth: read! Grow! Educate yourself!
And remember:
1. Tortoises don’t swim.
2. Only turtles eat meat
3. Good pet parents put the tortoise in their will.
4. Respect the shell.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise
Main Difference – Turtle vs Tortoise
Turtles and tortoises are two groups of reptiles belonging to the order Testudines (Chelonia). Chelonians are commonly known as shelled-reptiles due to the presence of a bony shell, which is very prominent and easily recognized among other reptile groups. This group includes all species of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Chelonians are the oldest living reptiles; they appeared on the earth about 260 million years ago in Permian era. There are about 300 species of chelonians; they are all characterized by the presence of a bony box-like shell, a keratinized beak instead of teeth, unique limbs and limb girdles placed inside their ribs. The chelonian shell is not an exoskeleton but a modified part of the vertebral column. There are two parts of the shell: the domed upper shell known as the carapace, and flat lower shell known as the plastron. The carapace is composed of interlocking bony plates arisen from parts of vertebrae, ribs, and bones in the dermis. The plastron is composed of interlocking bony plates arisen from bones of the pectoral girdle and dermal bone. The carapace consists of a larger number of bony plates than those of plastron. Many species of chelonians are found in North America and South Asia. Many species are semi-aquatic, and some are strictly terrestrial. Turtles and tortoises share many similar features, hence, the whole group is sometimes referred to as turtles. The main difference between turtle and tortoise is their living habitat. Turtles are usually associated with fresh or salt-water habitats whereas tortoises are fully terrestrial. More details of turtle and tortoise will be discussed in this article.
Turtle – Facts, Characteristics, Behavior
The whole species in order Chelonia is sometimes referred to as turtles. However, in this context, we consider the amphibious aquatic chelonians as turtles. There are two types of turtles: freshwater turtles and sea turtles. Freshwater turtles have a low carapace and paddle-like legs with webbed toes that help them to swim in water. Some common freshwater turtles are red-eared turtle and painted turtle. Mud and musk turtle and snapping turtle have a reduced plastron, not streamlined bodies; this enables them to crawl along the river bottoms. Sea turtles are totally aquatic and distributed in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean. Female sea turtles come to land only to lay eggs. They have flattened shells to reduce the resistant while swimming. Their limbs have become flat flippers with no toes. The leatherback is the largest sea turtle with 6-7 feet long shells and weighing more than 660 kg. Leatherbacks do not possess a hard shell. Sea turtles are considered as an endangered group of reptiles due to rapid destruction for meat, shells, and eggs.
Tortoise – Facts, Characteristics, Behavior
Tortoises are strictly terrestrial chelonians and often called box turtles. Their feet are similar to elephant feet and they do not have webbed feet. Due to the presence of flexible areas on the plastron, they can pull their head, limbs and tail inside the shell, which provide protection from attacks by predators. Some smaller tortoises like gopher tortoises and Bolson tortoises have flattened legs and reduced-carapace that enable them to burrow. Galapagos tortoises are the largest varieties. An adult tortoises can reach 1.2 m long and weigh over 300 kg. It is found that some Galapagos tortoises have lived about 200 years.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise
Habitat
Turtles are amphibious aquatic or fully aquatic.
Tortoises are strictly terrestrial.
Shape of the Shell
Turtles have flatted, streamlined shells.
Tortoises have dome-shaped shells, which are less streamlined.
Weight of the shell
Turtles have light-weight shells.
Tortoises have heavier shells.
Limbs
Turtles have broad flipper-like legs with webbed feet.
Tortoises have short sturdy legs without webbed feet.
Turtles are usually omnivores.
Tortoises are generally herbivores.
Lifespan
Tortoises have usually a higher life span than turtles.
Turtles have a shorter life span.
Abilities
Turtles cannot pull their head, limbs and tail inside the shell as a defensive action.
Tortoises can pull head, limbs and tail inside the shell as a defensive action due to the presence of flexible areas on the plastron.
Examples
“Sea turtle” by Brocken Inaglory – Own work (GFDL) via Commons Wikimedia