Turtles and Tortoises
Slow-moving friends with amazing shells!
A type of reptile that carries its home on its back - a protective shell!
What makes them this type?
- Have hard, bony shells covering their bodies
- Mostly slow movers, but some can swim fast
- Eat plants, fruits, and sometimes insects
- Live long lives - up to 150 years in the wild!
Examples
Green Sea Turtle Swims across entire oceans for food
Red-Eared Slider Lives in freshwater lakes and ponds
Galapagos Giant Tortoise Can live up to 200 years!
Motion Notes (for Animation & Drawing)
- Move slowly on land, but can swim quickly
- Use flippers or legs to propel through water
- Sometimes use powerful leg swings
Learn More
Have a shell that protects their vulnerable body parts
Shell is made from bony plates called scutes
Head and limbs are usually hidden inside the shell
Fun Facts
- Turtles have been on Earth for over 220 million years!
- They can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 hours!
- Some turtles migrate thousands of miles each year!