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Extant Late Jurassic first appearancesKimmeridgian first appearancesTurtle taxonomyTurtles

Turtle

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A green sea turtle swimming gracefully in the waters of Moorea, French Polynesia.

Amazing Turtles

Turtles are special animals that live all around the world. They are part of the reptiles family, which also includes snakes and lizards. What makes turtles unique is their hard shell that covers their bodies. This shell is made from their own bones and helps keep them safe.

Turtles can live in many places. Some turtles, called sea turtles, swim in the ocean. Others, like tortoises, live on land. There are also turtles that live in rivers and lakes, known as terrapins. No matter where they live, turtles lay their eggs on land, even if they spend most of their time in water.

These gentle creatures eat different foods. Land turtles usually munch on plants, while water turtles might eat small fish or worms. Some turtles can even eat birds! Turtles move slowly on land but can swim very fast when they need to.

People love turtles and often see them in stories and myths. In many cultures, turtles are symbols of wisdom and patience. For example, in some traditions, turtles help hold up the world! Turtles can also be pets, though they need special care.

Turtles are smart and can remember things for a long time. They sometimes make sounds to talk to each other. When they feel unsafe, turtles pull into their shells to hide. Scientists study turtles to learn more about how they live and travel such long distances.

Images

A beautiful Indian tent turtle swimming in the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Giant snakeneck turtle (Chelodina expansa) at the Bronx Zoo.
A close-up of a Red Eared Slider turtle's eye, showcasing its unique pattern and texture.
A turtle breathing at the surface of a river in Nepal.
Two red-bellied cooter turtles resting on a log in a pond in Massachusetts.
A green sea turtle peacefully eating seagrass in Akumal Bay, Mexico.
A Chelodina oblonga turtle at Herdsman Lake in Perth, Australia.
An olive ridley turtle nesting on Escobilla Beach in Oaxaca, Mexico.
A close-up photo of a Three-toed Box Turtle, showcasing its distinctive shell and markings.
Two desert tortoises interacting in their natural habitat.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Turtle, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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