Turtle - Wikipedia
Turtles (order Testudines) are reptiles characterized by a special shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the Pleurodira (side necked turtles) and Cryptodira …
Turtle | Species, Classification, & Facts | Britannica
4 days ago · turtle, (order Testudines), any reptile with a body encased in a bony shell, including tortoises. Although numerous animals, from invertebrates to mammals, have evolved shells, none …
Turtle - Types, Size, Anatomy, Habitat, Lifespan, & Pictures
Jan 19, 2026 · Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines with a characteristic bony shell. They are slow-moving, air-breathing animals that are opportunistic feeders, seeking almost sedentary …
Turtle facts | Amphibians & Reptiles | BBC Earth
Jul 15, 2025 · From tiny, swamp-dwelling species to gentle tortoise giants, these tough reptiles are some of the longest-lived animals on Earth. Turtles are unique because they are the only vertebrates with a …
Turtles Animal Facts - Testudines - A-Z Animals
May 27, 2024 · Turtles (order Testudines) are reptiles characterized by a bony shell (carapace and plastron), a toothless beak, and a slow metabolism relative to many vertebrates. They include marine …
Turtle and Tortoise - San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants
ABOUT Turtle, tortoise, and terrapin: what's the difference? All turtles, tortoises, and terrapins are reptiles. Scientists often refer to them as chelonians, because they are in the taxonomic order called …
Sustaining America's Aquatic Biodiversity - Turtle Biodiversity and ...
Aug 20, 2025 · Turtles are freshwater, marine, and terrestrial vertebrates with a shell. There are approximately 350 living species worldwide in 13 families and more than 90 genera. Of these, more …
Turtle Identification Guide: ID Any Species by Shell & Traits
Dec 3, 2019 · Learn how to distinguish between sea turtles, tortoises, and freshwater species, and explore hundreds of unique shell types, colors, and regional traits. This is the most comprehensive …
Turtles and tortoises - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers
Sea turtles are especially adapted for an aquatic life, with long feet that form flippers and a streamlined body shape. They rarely leave the ocean, except when the females come ashore to lay their eggs, or …
Sea Turtles - Smithsonian Ocean
Often considered the most majestic of the turtle family, the sea turtle is a large, ocean-going reptile known for its gentle nature and long lifespan. Swimmers, snorkelers and divers revel in seeing these …