TURTLES Meaning and
Definition
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Turtles are reptiles belonging to the Testudines order and are characterized by their hard, bony shell, which acts as a protective covering for their bodies. They have a unique skeletal structure where their vertebrae and ribs are fused together, forming an integral part of their shell. Turtles are known for their slow movement and are believed to have evolved from ancestors with a similar body structure around 214 million years ago during the Triassic period.
These creatures can be found in various habitats, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and even on land. They are well-adapted to live both in water and on land due to their specialized limbs. Aquatic turtles have webbed feet or flippers, facilitating their movements in water, while terrestrial turtles possess strong, clawed feet, suitable for digging burrows and traversing land surfaces.
Turtles exhibit a wide range of sizes, with some species measuring only a few inches in length while others can grow to several feet. They have a slower metabolism compared to other reptiles, and their lifespan can extend for several decades, with some species even living up to a hundred years.
These fascinating creatures are omnivorous and feed on a varied diet consisting of both plant matter and animal prey, including insects, fish, mollusks, vegetation, and aquatic plants. Turtles also reproduce through internal fertilization, with females laying eggs on land in nests dug by themselves.
Overall, turtles are characterized by their unique shell, slow movement, and longevity, making them an intriguing and prominent species within the reptile class.
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Etymology of TURTLES
The word "turtles" has a complex etymology. It ultimately comes from the Latin word "turtur", which means turtle dove. In Old English, the word "turtle" referred to turtle doves as well, but it later expanded its meaning to include the aquatic reptiles known as turtles.
The roots of the Latin word "turtur" are uncertain, but it is believed to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of the bird's cooing. This Latin word then made its way into various other languages, evolving into forms such as "tortorel" in Old French and "turtle" in Middle English.
Over time, "turtle" became the common term to refer to the shelled reptiles we know today. The plural form "turtles" was derived from the singular form "turtle".
Similar spelling words for TURTLES
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