Difference between Turtle and Tortoise - Key Differences

At first glance, turtles and tortoises may seem similar. However, upon closer examination, several distinct differences become apparent.

Not all turtles are aquatic, and some live most of their lives on dry land. This is one key difference between turtles and tortoises.

The most significant difference between a turtle and a tortoise lies in their habitats. Turtles are primarily aquatic, while tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles.

Comparing Turtles and Tortoises

Turtles and tortoises belong to different genus and species . Both, however, belong to the order Testudines, which includes all tetrapods with a true shell. Let's explore the key differences between turtles and tortoises.

Distinguishing Turtles from Tortoises
Turtles	Tortoises
Turtles are primarily aquatic creatures	Tortoises are terrestrial creatures
Turtles are typically omnivores	Tortoises are primarily herbivores
Turtles generally have lighter shells	Tortoises have heavier and more robust shells
Not all turtles are tortoises	All tortoises are turtles, as they belong to the order Testudines
Turtles usually live between 20-40 years	Tortoises usually live between 80-150 years

Distinguishing Turtles from Tortoises

Turtles

Tortoises

Turtles are primarily aquatic creatures

Tortoises are terrestrial creatures

Turtles are typically omnivores

Tortoises are primarily herbivores

Turtles generally have lighter shells

Tortoises have heavier and more robust shells

Not all turtles are tortoises

All tortoises are turtles, as they belong to the order Testudines

Turtles usually live between 20-40 years

Tortoises usually live between 80-150 years

In Summary

The distinction between tortoises and turtles becomes clear when we consider their habitats. Tortoises are strictly terrestrial while most turtles are aquatic or semi-aquatic. Despite the differences, they share a common ancestor and therefore have similar physical characteristics. Both of these creatures fall under the order Testudines, which includes all animals with a protective shell on their bodies.

Discover more about turtles and tortoises and explore other exciting topics such as KT-Extinction, cryptobiosis, and suspended animation.

Further Reading:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

Turtle and tortoise essentially belong to the same family, however, turtles, in general, are adapted to an aquatic or at least semi-aquatic life while tortoises are predominantly terrestrial.

Are tortoises bigger than turtles?

Turtles are generally larger than tortoises. The largest turtle is the leatherback turtle. It can weight anywhere 300 to 700 kilos. The largest tortoise is the Aldabra giant tortoise, with adult males weighing an average of 250 kilos.

What do tortoises and turtles eat?

Tortoises are herbivorous and they subsist on grasses and leafy vegetables. Turtles, on the other hand, are omnivores. They have been observed to eat jellyfish, urchins, molluscs and seaweed.

What is the lifespan of a turtle?

Most turtles have an average lifespan of about 10-150 years. It also depends on the species. The leatherback has a lifespan of about 150 years.

What is the lifespan of a tortoise?

The lifespan of tortoises are usually longer than that of turtles. However, it strictly depends upon the species. An Aldabra giant tortoise was found to be over 225 years old.

Provide a few examples of tortoises.

Leopard tortoise, Aldabra giant tortoise, gopher tortoise, etc.

List a few turtle species.

Olive ridley turtle, green turtle, leatherback turtle.