Turtles Vs Tortoises
Turtles and tortoises share many similarities, but there are some key differences between them.
Appearance
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- Turtles: Usually have a flatter shell that may be almost round or slightly oval in shape. Turtles typically have webbed feet as well.
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- Tortoises: Have a more domed shell. They have elephant like feet and are better adapted for terrestrial habitats.
Habitat
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- Turtles: Spend much of their time in the water, swimming in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
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- Tortoises: Spend most of their time on land, usually living in dunes, grasslands or forests.
Lifespans
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- Turtles: Can live longer than 100 years in some cases, although most species have an average lifespan of 30 to 40 years.
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- Tortoises: Live longer than turtles, with some species having an average lifespan of 80 to 100 years.
To sum up, one of the primary differences between turtles and tortoises are the habitats they inhabit. Turtles typically live in water while tortoises live on land. They also differ in appearance and in their average lifespans.
