Scientific Classification
Common Name
Turtle
Scientific Name
Testudines (order)
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Different families depending on species
All About Turtle
Description
Turtles are ancient reptiles known for their hard protective shells and slow, steady movements. They have lived on Earth for more than 200 million years and can be found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and land habitats around the world.
Size
4 inches to 6 feet long.
Weight
Less than 1 pound to over 1,500 pounds.
Diet
Plants, fruits, insects, fish, and jellyfish.
Range
Turtles are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in tropical, temperate, and coastal regions worldwide.
Habitat
Oceans, rivers, ponds, forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Behavior
Mostly quiet animals. Some swim well, while others walk slowly on land.
Incubation
Eggs hatch in about 45 to 90 days.
Predators
Birds, fish, crabs, crocodiles, sharks, and mammals.
Life Span
30 to 100+ years depending on species.
Conservation Status
Many turtle species are threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and illegal hunting. Several species are endangered.
Turtle Interesting Facts
- Sea turtles travel thousands of miles during migration.
- Some turtles can breathe through specialized body parts underwater.
- Temperature can decide whether hatchlings become male or female.
- Turtles cannot leave their shells.
