What are Testudines?
Testudines, commonly known as turtles and tortoises, are an order of reptiles characterized by their bony or cartilaginous shells, which act as shields to protect them from predators. This shell is made up of two parts: the upper part called the carapace and the lower part known as the plastron. Testudines are ancient creatures, with ancestors dating back to over 200 million years ago, and are known for their slow metabolism and long lifespans.
- Testudines are an order of reptiles that include both turtles and tortoises.
- They are characterized by a bony or cartilaginous shell made up of the carapace and plastron.
- Testudines have ancient origins, dating back over 200 million years.
Examples of Turtles
Turtles are aquatic or semi-aquatic reptiles with webbed feet or flippers, making them excellent swimmers. They have streamlined bodies for easy movement in water and are found in various environments, from oceans to freshwater rivers and lakes. Unlike tortoises, turtles have a more flexible relationship with their shells, which are adapted for swimming and buoyancy.
Some examples include:
- Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Found in warm oceans, known for its diet of seaweed and ability to return to birthplaces to nest.
- Box Turtle (Terrapene spp.): A land turtle with a unique shell that closes tightly, found in North America, and known for its omnivorous diet.
Examples of Tortoises
Tortoises are terrestrial reptiles with sturdy, often dome-shaped shells and are adapted to dry environments, though they need water for drinking. Unlike turtles, tortoises do not have webbed feet; instead, they have strong, columnar legs for supporting their heavy bodies. Tortoises are known for their herbivorous diets, feeding on grasses, fruits, and other vegetation.
Some examples include:
- Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra): One of the largest tortoise species, known for its distinctive saddle-shaped shell and crucial role in shaping the islands’ ecosystems.
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea): Native to the Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, this tortoise is known for its immense size and long lifespan.