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. 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. The shells that cover the body of these reptiles are very important as they give researchers a fair idea of how these reptiles live.

Numerous families, including Carettochelyidae (pig-nosed turtle), Dermatemydidae (Central American river turtles), Emydidae (pond/water turtles), etc. The longest living Tortoise is 326 years. Turtle hatchlings stay in their nest on their own for 90-120 days.Ĩ0-150 years. Tortoise hatchlings move from their nest to the mothers burrow soon after birth. Most are herbivores, but some species prefer live food.Įats fruits, veggies, leafy vegetation and meat, hence they are omnivores. Mostly large dome shaped shells (with bumps on the top in some species).įeet are short and sturdy with bent legs. Differences - Similarities - Tortoise versus Turtle comparison chartĪ Tortoise is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well on land.Ī Turtle is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well in the water.įound mostly in Asia and Africa but some species exist in Americas too.

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