Turtle vs Tortoise: Main Differences

Turtles and tortoises are remarkable organisms that are sometimes grouped owing to their similar traits, such as their hard shells and categorization as reptiles. Yet, while these two species of animals share certain similarities, they also have substantial variances in their habitat, feeding, and behavior.

We will explore the main distinctions between turtles VS tortoises and discover more about these unique animals below.

turtle (left) VS tortoise (right) Visual Comparison

Left image credit: Wexor Tmg; Right image credit: Melissa Keizer

Key Differences Between a Turtle and Tortoise

Size: Turtles are typically smaller, while tortoises are bigger.
Shell shape: Turtles have a more streamlined, flat shell suited for swimming. Turtles have more rounded Shells to protect themselves from predators and the elements,
Limbs and Feet: Turtles have webbed feet suitable for swimming, while tortoises have short, stubby feet, which are designed for walking on land.
Behavior: Turtles are more active and curious than tortoises and are often observed lounging in the sun or exploring their habitat. Tortoises are more sedentary and prefer to spend much of their time in a single spot, nibbling on plants or resting in the shade of their shells.
Diet: Turtles are omnivores and eat items including; vegetation, insects, and small animals. In contrast, tortoises are herbivores and mainly consume grass.
Habitat: The habitat of each species is one of the fundamental distinctions between turtles and tortoises. Turtles have streamlined shells and webbed feet that enable them to swim effectively and are even adapted for life in water. In contrast, tortoises are designed for life on land and have thicker dome-shaped shells and sturdier legs that allow them to cross rugged terrain.

We’ll explore these differences and exciting facts about these creatures below.

Turtle

Appearance

The bone shell of turtles is created of a lower Shell called the Plastron and an upper Shell called the carapace. Their shell is joined to their ribs and spine, protecting their body.

Turtles also have broad, flat bodies with four legs, which are usually short and sturdy. Their claws are frequently sharp for digging and climbing, and their feet have webbed toes adapted for swimming.

Turtles eat a range of items, such as plants, insects, and other tiny creatures, with the help of their beak-like jaws, which are toothless. They also have long necks that they may retract within their shell for safety.

Turtles have a distinctive head that is equipped with a beak-like mouth and a pair of eyes that are often located on the side of the head

Diet

Being omnivores, turtles consume both plant and animal stuff. The actual food of a turtle might vary based on its species, age, and location.

Aquatic vegetation, insects, snails, and tiny fish make up the majority of the diet of sea turtles. If available, they can also consume fruit and vegetables.

More diverse food sources, such as insects, worms, snails, small animals, and even carrion, are consumed by semi-aquatic turtles. They also consume plant foods, including berries, fruits, and grasses.

Species

Here are some concise descriptions of a few bog standard turtle species out of the many that exist:

Red-eared Slider: Aquatic turtles with a distinctive red stripe behind each eye. They are common household pets and are indigenous to North and Central America.
Painted Turtle: A common aquatic turtle found in North America with a distinctive red and yellow shell pattern.
Box Turtle: A semi-aquatic turtle that may be found throughout North America is the box turtle. Domed-shelled box turtles have a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Leatherback Turtle: The leatherback is a giant marine turtle, growing to a length of 7 feet and weighing up to 2000 pounds. They inhabit every ocean on the earth and are distinguished by their soft, leather-like shell.
Loggerhead Turtle: Another giant sea turtle, the loggerhead can weigh up to 400 pounds and grow up to 3 feet long. The Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans are where they can be found.
Green Turtle: A green turtle is a medium-sized sea turtle that may be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. They get their name from the greenish hue of their fat, and in certain cultures, they are a primary source of sustenance.

A giant leatherback Turtle swimming underwater

Reproduction

All Turtle lays their eggs on land, and none care for their young. Reproductive activity is typically seasonal and coincides with yearly weather shifts for most species. Most temperate turtles can become reproductively active when the days get longer and warmer (i.e., in the spring), while tropical species can become reproductively active at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the wet season.

The sex of a hatchling is determined by the temperature of the sand where it nests. Nests that incubate at lower temperatures are inclined to generate more male offspring, whereas nests that incubate at higher temperatures tend to produce more female offspring.

The clutch releases hatchlings that are 1.5 to 3 inches long after more than sixty days of incubation. Each hatchling sprints for the ocean while thrashing its flippers. Female hatchlings will ultimately return to the same beaches or natal beaches to restart the cycle if they can evade predators, endure severe tropical weather, and stay away from human dangers, while male hatchlings will spend the remainder of their lives at sea.

Turtles reproduce through sexual reproduction, with males and females mating to fertilize eggs

Threats

There are several dangers for turtles both in the wild and in captivity. The following are some of the main threats affecting turtle populations:

Hunting and poaching
Pollution
Climate change
Invasive species
Habitat degradation
Unintentional capture