Order Testudines, commonly known as turtles or tortoises, is a diverse group of reptiles characterized by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs. They belong to the class Reptilia and are considered the oldest living reptiles, with a history dating back over 200 million years. These animals are found in various habitats including oceans, rivers, lakes, swamps, forests, and deserts across the globe, except for the Antarctic.
The unique feature distinguishing turtles is their protective shell, which is divided into two main parts: the upper carapace and the lower plastron, connected by a bridge. This remarkable adaptation provides them with excellent defense against predators. Turtles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to maintain their body temperature. Their limbs are modified into flippers or webbed feet, depending on their habitat, enabling them to swim efficiently or walk on land.
Turtles exhibit a wide range of sizes, from tiny species measuring a few centimeters to giant turtles surpassing two meters in length. Their diet also varies, with some being herbivorous, consuming plants and algae, while others are omnivores or carnivores, feeding on small invertebrates, fish, or even carrion.
Turtles have a unique reproductive system in which they lay eggs on land. Females typically dig a hole, lay their eggs, and cover them up before returning to the water. The eggs generally incubate for several weeks to months, depending on the specific species.
Given their long history on Earth and ecological significance, turtles are subjects of scientific research and conservation efforts to protect their habitats and combat threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and poaching.
