Turtle

Turtles are reptiles with a special shell made mostly of bone. The domed upper part is the carapace and the flatter underside is the plastron. The outer surface is covered in scales called scutes, made of keratin, the same material as hair and fingernails.

Freshwater and semi-aquatic Turtles have flatter, smoother shells than land-dwelling kinds, which helps them cut through water. They have flexible legs with longer, webbed toes that give them thrust when swimming. Most have five toes and a fairly short tail.

Sizes vary a lot across the group. Some freshwater Turtles are widely kept as pets.

Turtles have a very long history. Early relatives from the Triassic had partial shells, and a fully developed carapace and plastron appeared in the Late Triassic. The two living groups, side-necked and hidden-necked Turtles, are thought to have split around 210 million years ago.

Turtles became highly diverse during the Cretaceous. Today they are found on most continents. The richest regions for non-marine Turtles include the Amazon basin, the Gulf of Mexico drainages of the United States, and parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Turtles have appeared in myths and folktales around the world, and some freshwater species are now widely kept as pets.

Turtles are often thought of as silent, but a study of 53 species found that all of them made sounds. Various freshwater species give short, low-frequency calls.

Most Turtles are opportunistic omnivores. Aquatic ones tend to be more carnivorous, and young Turtles are often more meat-eating before becoming more plant-eating as adults. Some, like the painted turtle, can filter feed at the water surface.

When danger appears, a Turtle may flee, freeze or withdraw into its shell. Freshwater Turtles usually dive into the water. If pushed, they may bite or discharge from the cloaca, and several species produce foul-smelling chemicals from musk glands.

Small pond Turtles warm up by climbing out of the water to bask in the sun. Florida red-bellied cooters have shown they can learn new tasks and remember them for at least 7.5 months.

Turtles can live long lives and age slowly. Adult survival rates can reach 99% per year, though most wild Turtles do not reach extreme ages. Each year they grow new scutes under the old ones, which lets researchers estimate their age.

Being ectotherms, Turtles have internal temperatures that vary with their surroundings. All Turtles breathe air and must surface at regular intervals, with immersion periods ranging from a minute to an hour depending on the species. They can hold their breath much longer than other reptiles and can lie dormant for months.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a Turtle?

A Turtle is a reptile with a shell developed mainly from its ribs. The group includes freshwater and semi-aquatic kinds as well as land tortoises and sea turtles.

How long do Turtles live?

Turtles can live long lives and age slowly. Adult survival can reach 99% per year, though most wild Turtles do not reach extreme ages.

Do Turtles make noise?

Yes, although they are popularly thought of as mute. A study of 53 species found that every one made sounds.

Are Turtles cold-blooded?

Yes. Turtles are ectotherms, so their internal temperature varies with their surroundings. Small pond Turtles warm up by basking in the sun.

Do Turtles breathe underwater?

No, all Turtles breathe air and must surface regularly. Some species can also take up dissolved oxygen through the cloaca.

A Turtle's shell is made of around 50-60 bones, and typically has 54 scutes in total.

Turtles have no teeth. They have beaks made of keratin instead.

All Turtles have eight neck vertebrae, however long or short the neck.

The red-eared slider has an unusual seven types of cone cell in its eyes.

Turtles have no ear openings, as the eardrum is covered with scales.