Here at National Geographic Kids, we are passionate about turtles, which is why we have compiled these ten amazing turtle facts!
These impressive beings vary in both their appearance and size, and they inhabit a variety of different habitats. All of them are part of a category of reptiles known as Testudines, which encompasses turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.
From giant, slow-moving land-dwelling tortoises and snappy terrapins basking in their fresh-water lagoons, to the graceful strokes of a sea turtle gliding through our oceans – check out our ten awesome turtle facts, below!
Turtle facts
- Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – beating snakes, crocodiles, and alligators!
- These creatures date back to the time of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago – woah!
- Turtles are easily recognized by their bony, cartilaginous shell. This super-tough casing acts like a shield to protect them from predators – some turtles can even tuck their heads up inside their shells for extra protection!
- Just like your bones, a turtle’s shell is part of its skeleton. It’s made up of over 50 bones which include the turtle’s rib cage and spine.
- Contrary to popular belief, a turtle cannot come out of its shell. The turtle’s shell grows with them, so they can’t grow too big for it!
- What a turtle eats depends on the environment it lives in. Land-dwelling turtles will munch on beetles, fruit, and grass, whereas sea dwellers will gobble everything from algae to squid and jellyfish.
- Some turtles are carnivores (meat eaters), others are herbivores (plant eaters) and some are omnivores (a mixture of the two!). Many baby turtles start life as carnivores but grow to eat more plants as they mature.
- Turtles are ‘amniotes’ – they breathe air and lay their eggs on land, although many species live in or around water.
- These cold-blooded creatures have an incredibly long life span. The oldest ever recorded, named Tu” i Malila, of Tonga Island, passed away at the grand old age of 188!
- Sadly, many species of turtle are endangered! 129 of approximately 300 species of turtle and tortoise on Earth today are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the IUCN. Threats include loss of habitat, pollution, poaching, and the illegal pet trade.
Is tortoise and turtle same?
Although tortoises and turtles have a shared evolutionary history, they are distinct species. Both are members of the Testudines reptile group, but they have distinct variances. Tortoises mostly live on land and have strong legs and feet that are specialized for walking on solid ground. Their shells are rounded and have a dome shape.
What are 10 facts about turtles?
The lifestyle of turtles varies significantly depending on their species and habitat. Here’s a glimpse into the diverse ways in which turtles navigate through life:
15 fast facts about turtles
1 Turtle or tortoise? Look at their feet! …
2 They wear their bones on the outside. …
3 Turtles are reptiles. …
4 They’re all different shapes and sizes. …
5 Turtles love to travel! …
6 Leatherbacks really do have ‘leather’ backs. …
7 They’re ancient. …
8 Turtles don’t have teeth.
How do turtles live?
Several species of turtles primarily inhabit aquatic environments, only venturing onto land to bask in the sun and deposit their eggs. Some turtles prefer to remain on land (terrestrial) for the majority of their time. Examine the characteristics of these turtles. Swimming turtles possess shells that are more streamlined and flippers.
