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Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles belonging to the order Testudines, but they have distinct differences. The primary distinction lies in their habitats and physical characteristics. **Habitat:** * **Turtles:** Most turtles are semi-aquatic or aquatic, meaning they spend a significant portion of their lives in water. They are commonly found in oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds. Their bodies are adapted for swimming. * **Tortoises:** Tortoises are exclusively land-dwelling reptiles. They inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, from deserts and grasslands to forests. They do not swim and are not adapted for aquatic life. **Physical Characteristics:** * **Shell:** * **Turtles:** Generally have flatter, more streamlined shells that are lighter and more hydrodynamic, aiding in swimming. The shell might be more flexible. * **Tortoises:** Possess dome-shaped, heavier, and more rounded shells. This provides better protection from predators on land. * **Limbs:** * **Turtles:** Have webbed feet or flippers, which are ideal for propulsion in water. * **Tortoises:** Have stumpy, elephantine feet with claws that are well-suited for digging and walking on land. * **Diet:** * **Turtles:** Are typically omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, insects, fish, and other small aquatic animals. * **Tortoises:** Are primarily herbivores, with their diet consisting mainly of grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruits. In summary, the main differentiating factor is their lifestyle: turtles are primarily water-dwellers with adaptations for swimming, while tortoises are land-dwellers with adaptations for terrestrial life.

Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles with shells, so what exactly are their differences? Can you spot the differences between a turtle (left) and a tortoise (right)?(Image credit: LL28 and Francesco Riccardo Iacomino via Getty Images)Subscribe to our newsletter Turtles…