Mar 3, 2026 · turtle, (order Testudines), any reptile with a body encased in a bony shell, including tortoises. Although numerous animals, from invertebrates to mammals, have evolved shells, none …

Turtles (order Testudines) are reptiles characterized by a special shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the Pleurodira (side necked turtles) and Cryptodira …

Jul 16, 2025 · From tiny, swamp-dwelling species to gentle tortoise giants, these tough reptiles are some of the longest-lived animals on Earth. Turtles are unique because they are the only vertebrates with a …

From the sun-drenched deserts to the deepest oceans, a lineage of reptiles has roamed our planet for over 200 million years, bearing a unique and unmistakable shield: the turtle.

Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines (all living turtles belong to the crown group Chelonia), most of whose body is shielded by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs.

Turtles are ancient reptiles, unique among vertebrates due to their protective shell. These creatures inhabit diverse environments globally, adapting remarkably to their surroundings.

Habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching threaten the seven native turtle species that live in our state. Some spend their lives in ponds and streams, while others live almost en-tirely on land.

Turtle: Spends most of its life in the water. Turtles tend to have webbed feet for swimming. Sea turtles (Cheloniidae family) are especially adapted for an aquatic life, with long feet that form flippers and a …

These magnificent creatures come in all shapes and sizes and live in a number of different environments. They all belong to a group of reptiles called Testudines, which includes turtles, …