Ancient turtle. Myths, mistakes and misconceptions about turtles

Turtles appeared on our planet about 200 million years ago, and about 135 million years ago, that is, in the Cretaceous period, scientists believe there were about 26 families of turtles on Earth (currently there are only 12 of them). Interestingly, turtles have remained virtually unchanged since then.

The closest relatives of modern turtles, Proganochelis, lived in Europe and Asia during the Late Triassic period (200 million years ago). It is worth noting that these animals, like turtles, had a tortoiseshell-type shell and beak. However, unlike modern turtles, Proganochelis did not have the ability to retract its head and limbs into its shell. However, they did not need this, since the head and legs of these reptiles were protected by hard scales.

Currently, there are 5 suborders of turtles, 3 of which are major: side-necked, cryptonecked and shieldless turtles. The other two suborders trace their origins to the cryptonecked turtles.

Some researchers classify the leatherback sea turtle as a special suborder of shieldless turtles, which differ from all other turtles not only in appearance, but also in their internal structure. Their shell, unlike that of other turtles, consists of a layer of small interconnected polygonal bony plates and is not fused to the spine and ribs.

In addition, the shell of the leatherback sea turtle is covered on top with skin with many small horny scutes. Moreover, with age, the skin becomes smooth and even. Many scientists believe that the ancestors of leatherback sea turtles were Archelon ischyros, animals that lived in the seas of South Dakota more than 65 million years ago. The fossilized remains of this giant (weighing about 3 tons, up to 4 m long) were found in the flatlands of the central states of the United States, where the waters of the Niobar Sea once stretched. It is worth noting that the evolution of turtles belonging to different suborders proceeded independently of each other, therefore there are very significant differences in their structure and appearance.

For example, side-necked and cryptonecked turtles appeared during the Middle Triassic, and the names of these reptiles indicate the ways in which they retract their heads under their shells. Side-necks fold their neck horizontally, bending it like an S and pressing it to the base of the limb, while hidden-necks fold it vertically.

Side-necked turtles have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, as evidenced by the remains of inhabitants of the Cretaceous period found during excavations.

Currently, side-necked turtles are found only in the Southern Hemisphere of our planet: Africa, Australia, New Guinea, Madagascar and South America.

Hidden-necked turtles, or cryptodires, are the most common group of turtles. It is believed that during the Middle Triassic period these animals lived only in swampy areas, but over time they adapted to live both on land, including desert and forest-steppe areas, and in water. In addition, their survival was facilitated by the fact that they ate a variety of food - plant and animal.

About 150–200 million years ago, in the Jurassic period, a suborder of soft-bodied turtles emerged from the group of cryptonecked turtles. These animals adapted to life in water, and gradually their shell became less massive, thanks to which the animals acquired the ability to swim at a fairly high speed. Currently, softshell turtles are considered the fastest of all species. They are able to move at high speed not only in the aquatic environment, but also on land.

The ancestors of snapping turtles lived in the Eocene, that is, approximately 38–55 million years ago. Having examined the fossil remains of these animals, scientists came to the conclusion that the shell of ancient snapping turtles was quite soft, and therefore the reptiles could not defend themselves in the event of an attack by predators and, in order not to become their prey, preferred to attack first, showing aggressiveness unusual for turtles. By the way, modern snapping turtles behave in a similar way. That is why they are not kept in home terrariums.

The so-called horned turtle is considered one of the most unusual in the evolutionary chain of turtles, about which controversy has not ceased in scientific circles for a long time. The fact is that some scientists classify horned turtles as... dinosaurs, while most scientific experts classify these extinct animals as reptiles.

The appearance of the horned turtles was truly terrifying. The animals reached 5 m in length. These reptiles had a huge tail, the same length as the shell, with two rows of bone spikes, clearly used for protection from enemies. The turtle's skull was triangular in shape, with long, slightly blunted horns directed sideways and backwards, which the animal also used for protection. There are holes in the front and back of the shell into which the animal can remove its limbs and head in case of danger. In some species of turtles, movable parts of the shell can completely cover one or both openings if necessary.

TURTLES
(Chelonia),
a detachment of reptiles, the only representatives of reptiles whose body is covered with a shell. Found in all warm areas of the world. Several species are inhabitants of the seas and oceans, but mostly they are land and freshwater forms. This group appeared in the Triassic ca. 200 million years ago. It is possible that turtles descended directly from cotylosaurs, the most primitive reptiles. Although there are few fossils to support this hypothesis, the extinct genus Eunotosaurus is a good candidate for being an evolutionary link. This animal had a flattened body and greatly expanded ribs. Unlike their snake relatives, turtles were rarely worshiped and were never particularly feared. Indeed, they pose virtually no danger to human life. Unless a swimmer gets too close to a male leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) can be grabbed by its strong flippers and drowned. The fact is that in a state of strong sexual arousal, he is able to mistake any large object for a female.
Anatomy. The torso of turtles is enclosed in a shell, which also partially protects the head, neck and limbs. Its upper part, or carapace, covers the back and sides of the reptile, the lower, or plastron, covers the stomach. The shell is so strong that it can withstand 200 times the weight of the owner. Typically, the inner layer of the shell is bone, and the outer layer is formed by hard horny tissue. Both layers consist of many elements tightly fitted to each other. The bony elements are called laminae, and the horny elements are called scutes. The greater strength of the shell is partly ensured by the fact that the boundaries between the internal plates and the outer scutes do not coincide. As the turtle increases in size, horny substance grows along the edges of each scute. If growth is interrupted by periods of hibernation, growth rings are clearly visible on the scutes, allowing one to estimate the age of the individual. The ribs are fused to the shell, so the chest is motionless. As a result, the turtle's breathing resembles the diaphragmatic breathing characteristic of humans and other mammals. Special muscles pull the internal organs back, allowing the lungs to fill with air; then other muscles carry out the reverse process, compressing the lungs. Some aquatic species are not completely dependent on pulmonary respiration and are able to absorb oxygen also through the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Differences between males and females (sexual dimorphism) are expressed differently depending on the species; sometimes they are completely invisible. A comparison of males and females of other species shows that the former have a longer and thicker tail, and the anus is located further from its base. This dimorphism is especially pronounced in huge sea turtles. Other sex differences concern the shape of the plastron, the color and size of the head, and the overall dimensions of the body.
Mating and egg laying. Mating behavior begins with courtship, the forms of which are very species specific. The male may butt and push the female while gently biting her. In large turtles, courtship is sometimes accompanied by loud grunting. Male painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) and ornamented turtles (Pseudemys) display affection in a special way. Swimming backwards and dragging the female along with them, they stroke or pat her on the face with the long claws of their front paws. Mating can take place on land or in water. In this case, the penis, hidden at the base of the tail in a calm state, extends through the opening of the cloaca. Females of some turtle species can store viable sperm for a long time (this is also true of some other vertebrates), and one mating allows them to lay fertilized eggs over the next several years. However, their number decreases every year until a new portion of sperm is obtained. Turtle eggs are oval or round, white or almost white. Females bury them in the ground to a depth not exceeding the length of their hind legs, or hide them in a pile of rotting plants. Most often these are well-lit places. Usually there is one clutch per year, but some sea turtles have as many as seven clutches in one breeding season. Depending on the type, eggs in a clutch range from one to 200.
Hatching. The period of incubation and hatching is the most dangerous in the life of turtles; at this time, numerous enemies feast on their delicious eggs and still soft-bodied babies. Mammals dig up clutches, and seabirds grab newly hatched turtles as they rush along the shore to the water. Once in the water, the babies become prey for voracious fish. At this time, a large number of lovers of their eggs and young usually accumulate near the breeding grounds of turtles. Depending on the species, the time required for the shell to harden varies, but is usually several months. After this, the turtles become relatively inaccessible to predators. In nature, turtles grow quickly. There is a known example when, even in captivity, Galapagos elephant tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus), starting from about 11 kg, annually gained the same amount until they weighed more than 100 kg. Many small species reach sexual maturity between the ages of 2 and 11 years.
Lifespan. No known vertebrate lives as long as turtles. Most of the information suggesting that their lifespan is slightly more than 50 years refers to individuals kept in captivity. Some species certainly live much longer. The Carolina box turtle (Terrapene carolina) found in Rhode Island was almost certainly 130 years old. The maximum period is considered to be approx. 150 years, but it is quite possible that the actual life expectancy of individual individuals is much longer.
Nutrition. Turtles in general can be called omnivores, although some species prefer plant food, others animal food, and still others eat everything. A strictly specialized diet is rare. Some aquatic turtles only feed underwater. Very young individuals require daily feeding, but this is not necessary for adults. In fact, once well fed, they can go months, and possibly years, without food. Turtles have no teeth, and the sharp edges of their jaws are capable of biting food, but not chewing it. Tough, fibrous plants are difficult for turtles to handle, and animal meat sometimes has to be torn into pieces using the claws on the front paws. Some species have horny ridges inside the mouth, which allow them to crush prey protected by hard coverings. Sense organs and higher nervous activity. Turtles are good at distinguishing odors at close range and, judging by some observations, use their sense of smell when choosing food. Vision is also well developed: these animals can be taught to recognize contours and colors. Both the shell and scaly skin have tactile sensitivity, and the giant tortoise even feels the pressure of a straw that is passed along its massive carapace. Although it has long been known that turtles are sensitive to vibrations transmitted through the soil, their ability to perceive airborne sound waves has long been controversial. Today the existence of at least weak “ordinary” hearing in them is considered proven. Compared to other reptiles, turtles are very smart. They easily learn to follow their owner, seem to enjoy the attention they receive, and get used to a certain routine well. Apparently, some individuals are smarter than others. For example, among six Agassi gophers (Gopherus agassizi) living together, one individual, of its own volition, climbed up an inclined plane onto a platform and slid down the other side down a metal chute. She obviously enjoyed this activity and repeated it for hours on end. But in some situations, turtles are surprisingly slow-witted. For example, they may spend a lot of energy climbing over an obstacle that is not difficult to get around; or for a long time they try to squeeze through a gap that is much smaller in size.
MAIN FAMILIES
More than 200 modern species of turtles have been described. These are only the remnants of a huge number of species that existed during the Age of Reptiles, which lasted approximately 120 million years and ended ca. 70 million years ago. The species that have survived to this day are grouped into 12 families. The most famous of them are described below.
Cheloniidae (sea turtles). Five or six species of the family are large reptiles with limbs resembling paddles or flippers. These are exclusively aquatic animals, coming ashore only to lay eggs or bask in the sun. It is very difficult for them to move on land. At least one species is found in all warm oceans.
Green (soup) turtle (Chelonia mydas)- the most famous of sea turtles. It is distributed throughout the globe, and it is from it that the famous turtle soup is prepared. Previously, these reptiles were essentially mercilessly exterminated, often killing the females just before laying eggs.

Dermochelyidae (leatherback turtles). The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the only living species of this family. This giant can reach a mass of more than 680 kg with a front flipper span of 3.6 m. The leathery shell bears 7 longitudinal ridges on the dorsal side and 5 on the ventral side. Although the range of these turtles covers all warm oceans, they are the rarest among the widespread marine species of the order. The question of the systematic position of the group remains controversial. It was allocated to a special suborder Athecae (scutellae), but most experts agree only on the rank of superfamily.

Trionychidae (three-clawed). These turtles are easily recognized by their soft, leathery shell without any scutes. They have a flat body, an elongated conical snout and legs with webbed swimmers. These are one of the fastest turtles, moving quickly both in water and on land. The long neck allows it to grab food and bite the enemy painfully, even if they are at a considerable distance. The claws of large individuals can leave deep scratches. Representatives of certain species tolerate captivity well, living in it for up to 20 years or more (the record is 25). Some three-clawed turtles are highly prized for their tasty meat. The largest of their 20 species, the large soft-shelled turtle (Pelochelys bibroni) lives in Southeast Asia; its shell reaches a length of more than 1.2 m. Representatives of this family live in North America, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Malay Archipelago and New Guinea. Three species are found in the United States.

Pelomedusidae and Chelidae (suborder side-necked turtles: pelomedusids and snake-necked turtles). Representatives of these two families differ in the way the neck bends when retracting the head under the edge of the shell: in other turtles it is in the vertical plane, in them it is in the horizontal plane, which is explained by the special structure of the spine. Side-necks live in the Southern Hemisphere or the regions closest to it, not found in North America, Europe and Asia. Both families unite approx. 50 types. The most bizarre of all turtles is the matamata (Chelus fimbriata) from South America, a snake-necked turtle. Her head is covered with many outgrowths sticking out in different directions. The Australian snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) has a thin neck almost as long as its shell.

Chelydridae (snapping turtles). The family includes only 2 species, of which the best known is the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). It is an aquatic reptile native to much of North America and northwestern South America, abundant in southeastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States, where it is highly prized as a food item. Snapping turtles are unfairly blamed for killing large numbers of fish and waterfowl. The weight of these animals often reaches 13.6 kg. When pulled out of the water, they can bite painfully. Another kind,
snapping turtle(Macrochelys temmincki) is one of the giants of the order, reaching a mass of approx. 90 kg. Not only are they the heaviest of its freshwater species, but they are also the most water-bound of the North American turtles. They are found in the southeastern United States, mainly in the lower Mississippi. Being slow, the snapping turtle lures prey with the help of a fleshy outgrowth of the bottom of the mouth, which moves in its open mouth like a worm.

Kinosternidae (mud turtles). 21 species of this family usually live on the bottom of rivers and lakes. The group's range extends from southeastern Canada through the central and eastern United States to South America. The eight species of mud turtles found in the United States have small, fleshy “whiskers” on their chins that help distinguish them from other members of the order. The most famous member of the family, the common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), lives in the waters of the eastern United States. Its length does not exceed 13 cm, but it greatly annoys local fishermen, as it often gets hooked, and when it is picked up, it secretes a stinking secretion from the musk glands. In addition, she is warlike and bites painfully.
Trailing turtles(genus Kinosternon) are found almost exclusively in the southeastern United States. They avoid deep bodies of water and come to land from time to time. The range of the Pennsylvania turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) extends from the southeast of the country along the Atlantic coast to the southwestern tip of Connecticut.

Testudinidae (land turtles). This family includes approx. 40 species of turtles found on every continent except Australia. This includes the giant elephant tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus) from the Galapagos Islands and some bizarre African species. Thus, in African kinix tortoises (genus Kinixys), the back part of the carapace is movably connected to the front; the elastic tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) from Tanzania and Kenya has a soft, flattened shell made of thin bony plates and can hide in narrow rock crevices in a moment of danger. The only representatives of this family found in the United States belong to the genus Gopherus; they live in the southern part of the country. In the 19th century Galapagos elephant tortoises were taken on whaling ships as supplies of meat for sailors. The capture of millions of individuals has undermined the population so much that it is in danger of extinction.

Emydidae (freshwater turtles). This is the largest family of the order, uniting more than a third of all its species. They are common to the northern continents, also found in northern South America and Africa and are very diverse in size and body shape.
Painted turtle(Chrysemys picta), which is distributed throughout the United States, is one of the most famous members of the family. It often reaches high numbers even in small ponds. Box turtles (Terrapene) are also a common genus, but are not found in the western United States. They are mostly land animals; the movable elements of the plastron enable them to tightly close all the openings of the shell, like flaps. Ornamented turtles (Pseudemys) inhabit the southeastern United States.

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

See what "TURTLES" is in other dictionaries:

Turtles Illustration from the book by E. Haeckel ... Wikipedia

- (Testudines, or Chelonia), a detachment of reptiles. Known since the Triassic, descended from cotylosaurs. A characteristic feature of the structure of Ch. is a bony horny or bony leathery shell covering the entire body, consisting of a dorsal (carapace) and abdominal... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

A squad of reptiles. They have (except for the leatherback turtle) a bony shell that is fused with the vertebrae and ribs. 12 families, including freshwater turtles, land turtles, sea turtles, etc.; OK. 230 species. They live mainly in the steppes and... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Many animals live in glass containers: turtles, fish, lizards and crustaceans. Home terrariums usually contain a terrestrial species of turtles, from which freshwater and land animals emerge.

Reptiles with webbed swimming limbs. Most aquatic turtle species inhabit bodies of water with low water movement. Mobile carnivorous reptiles, but herbivorous species are also found.

red-eared

Brown-green turtle. Also called . It lives in shallow ponds in Mexico, South and Central America and Africa. It got its name because of the red spots in the ear area; there are species with bright yellow spots. There are rich green stripes on the head and paws. Young individuals are less intensely colored than mature ones. The carapace (upper part of the shell) of females is up to 30 cm, in males - up to 15 cm, there are claws. The diet of young individuals is dominated by animal food. Sedentary and non-conflict pets.

Trionix Chinese or Far Eastern

Turtles up to 20 cm in size with a soft leathery shell. The nose is oblong in the form of a trunk. These three-toed inhabitants of Asian reservoirs are very active and aggressive. They can injure a person with sharp plates located on their jaws. To keep these predators at home, a newborn individual is purchased. entered the Red Book and is prohibited for sale. It is caught by smugglers and supplied to stores.

Caspian

Omnivorous turtles with a flat oval shell up to 30 cm in length. The color consists of alternating yellow and green stripes. Individuals love salty or fresh water with a temperature of 18–22 degrees and a large amount of vegetation near the reservoir. Found in Southern Europe and Central Asia. In nature, they climb high into the mountains. They live for 30 years. In this species of freshwater turtle, sexual differences are clearly visible: the tail of males is more powerful and longer, the carapace is concave.

Silt loggerhead

Aquarium turtles with a small shell up to 18 cm and a disproportionately large body. Though harmless in appearance, reptiles are capable of injuring with their false teeth. They come from North and South America. They live in shallow streams and swamps with abundant vegetation. A container of 60–100 liters is suitable for keeping at home. They feed on animal food and dry food.

European marsh

Dark green turtles up to 35 cm. The body is covered with light spots. A large and long tail, webbed feet and sharp claws. Reptiles live near lakes and ponds. listed in the Red Book. Kept at an air temperature of about 30 degrees.

Types of small

According to the scientific classification, small turtles are considered freshwater species, the average size of which does not exceed 13 cm. A terrarium with a capacity of 100 liters is suitable for pets.

Three-keel

Small reptiles up to 13 cm. Color from reddish-brown to black, carapace with three keels. Easy to care for, an aquarium up to 100 liters is suitable. They inhabit the countries of South Asia and lead a completely land-based lifestyle in forests. They are omnivores, eat fruits and vegetables, and are not averse to eating fish. In some countries they are prohibited for home keeping.

musky

Turtles get their name from the musk glands under their shells. The length of the oval carapace is 7–13 cm. There are light inclusions on the dark head and carapace. Young turtles are distinguished by three longitudinal ridges on the carapace, which disappear over the years. They feed on mollusks, insects, and small fish. Range: Canada to South America. In the natural environment, they are the orderlies of the reservoir. Turtles swim well; the terrarium should have an island and a pond.

Spotted

Amphibious pets up to 12 cm in length. The carapace is black, without projections. Light yellow spots are evenly distributed on the shell, head and limbs. There are also color variations with orange and reddish splashes. They live at room temperature. For convenience, place shelters in a glass container and aquatic plants in a pond. The turtle is diurnal. Diet type: insectivores. Juveniles feed exclusively on animal food. Plants are rarely eaten. In nature, they live in marshy and damp areas.

Pond Reeves

A turtle with a shell length of 13 cm. The carapace is colored brown. There are olive, gray-green and black body colors, with yellow stripes. Females are lighter than males and have a shorter tail. Temperatures not lower than 22 degrees are allowed. It is known that turtles can survive freezing temperatures.

Closing

Domestic turtles are endowed with a peculiarity: in case of danger, the gap between the plastron and the carapace closes. The genus of closures consists of species:

1. reddish mud turtle;
2. mud red-cheeked;
3. mud walleye;
4. musk common;
5. musky keel.

Flat

The carapace of these 9-centimeter turtles is slightly extended forward and has a slight convexity. Color ranges from olive to brown depending on the breed. The forelimbs have scales and 4 or 5 toes. The muzzle is oblong. Females are larger than males. Carnivorous species, eats fish, mice and shrimp.

Types of land

Central Asian

Popular domestic pet species. At home, they grow up to 10–18 cm. Turtles have a light shell with dark scutes and four-fingered limbs. Once a week you can have a swim. They do not like to be disturbed; they prefer peace and regularity. Provide animals with air at 30 degrees and sandy soil in which they can dig.

Star or Indian

Beautiful pets with an unusual shell shape. The scutes are convex, slightly pointed, with a striking star pattern. The shell is dark, the pattern is yellow. The turtles are medium in size, females reach 25 cm, males - 15 cm. The varieties living in Sri Lanka and South India have 5-7 rays in color. Individuals from northern India have 7–9 thin “star” rays. They eat plant foods.

Mediterranean

Color and maintenance preferences differ among subspecies. The color can be plain or dark with yellow splashes. The front legs of domestic turtles have 5 toes, and the hind legs have spurs. There is a bump of horny tissue on the back of the thigh. Sizes up to 35 cm.

Egyptian

The shell size reaches 12 cm, females are smaller than males. The shell is sand-colored with black spots. They are whimsical in their contents and susceptible to diseases. Herbivores, in nature they feed on plants of the genus Artemisia. Calcium and D3 are added to the diet. The opportunity to determine sex in this species is available at 15 years of age. They are kept in groups of their own species in a spacious tank.

Balkan

The shell size is up to 20 cm. In external features it resembles a Mediterranean turtle. The shell is light brown with a dark pattern. Over the years, the color fades to yellowish-gray. The tail has a horny tip. They feed on peas, beans, clover and fruits. Supplement the diet with slugs and snails. Mobile pets are especially active in the warm season.

Conclusion

Some species of domestic turtles are small in size and also relatively unpretentious. Even for such animals you will need a spacious and long aquaterrarium, an ultraviolet lamp and a water filter. Take a responsible approach to keeping your pet turtle, and then it will delight you with the opportunity to observe it for a long time.

Everyone associates turtles with the eternal slowness characteristic of these reptiles, but not everyone knows that turtles are one of the most ancient representatives of the animal world of our planet. These creatures have been living on Earth for more than 220 million years, yes, they are the same age as extinct dinosaurs. The very name of the word “turtle” comes from the ancient Slavic “shovel”, “tile”, and the Latin name for the turtle is similar – “testa” is translated as “tile”, obviously, the turtles were nicknamed this way due to the similarity of their shells with the tiles themselves.

Turtle: description, structure, characteristics. What does a turtle look like?

Perhaps it is the shell of a turtle that is its most characteristic difference, a kind of turtle calling card. For a turtle, it is, in fact, a sort of mobile home + a means of protection from enemies. The turtle shell consists of a dorsal (carapace) and abdominal (plastron) part. The carapace, in turn, consists of two parts, one of which is the internal armor, formed from bone plates, and the second is the outer part, consisting of horny scutes. In some species of turtles, the bony plates are covered with skin.

The shell of a turtle is very durable, so it can easily withstand a load exceeding the weight of the turtle itself by 200 times.

How big are turtles?

The size of a turtle and its weight differ greatly from the species, so in the turtle family there are both giant turtles with a weight of more than 900 kg and a shell size of 2.5 meters or more, and small turtles with a weight of up to 125 grams and a shell size no more than 10 cm.

Head and eyes of a turtle

The turtle's head is streamlined and medium in size. Such dimensions allow turtles, in case of danger, to quickly hide their heads inside an inaccessible shell. Although among them there are also species with large heads that either fit poorly in the shell or do not fit at all.

In land turtles, the eyes are usually directed towards the ground, while in aquatic turtles they are located closer to the top of the head and point forward and upward. The neck of many turtles is usually short.

The vision of turtles is well developed, even moreover, turtles, like people, have color vision and can distinguish colors, a gift that very few animals have. Nature also gave them excellent hearing, allowing them to hear potential enemies from a distance.

Does a turtle have teeth? How many teeth does a turtle have?

Modern turtles, unfortunately, do not have teeth, but ancient turtles had them, those that lived during the era of dinosaurs, but over time they disappeared. Then how does a turtle eat? To bite and grind food, turtles use a strong beak; the surface of this beak is covered with rough protuberances, which practically replace teeth for turtles. The tongue of turtles is short; it serves exclusively for swallowing food, but not for capturing it, and as a result, does not protrude outward.

Limbs and tails of turtles

All turtles, without exception, have four legs. But the very structure of these paws depends on the type and habitat of the turtle. The paws of land turtles have a flattened shape, they are adapted for digging soil and are quite powerful. In the process of millions of years of evolution, sea turtles' paws have turned into real flippers for the convenience of swimming in the depths of the sea.

Also, almost all turtles have a tail. The tail of a turtle, like its head, is also capable of hiding in its shell. Moreover, what is interesting is that some turtles have a real pointed spike at the tip of their tail, which serves as another means of protection from enemies.

An interesting fact: some land turtles can molt with age, and their old skin peels off and falls off, both from the paws and sometimes from the shell.

How long do turtles live?

Turtles are truly long-lived even by our human standards, because they live many times longer than us humans. So the average life expectancy of turtles in natural conditions can be 180-250 years.

The oldest turtle in the world, named Jonathan, lives on the island of St. Helena and remembers (probably) the times of Napoleon, because the former emperor of France lived here in exile for some time.

Where do turtles live?

Turtles live in all tropical areas, as well as some places with temperate climates. Sea turtles swim in the warm ocean spaces of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They are only absent near the Arctic and Antarctica, which is natural, because all turtles love warmth.

Land turtles live in the steppes and semi-deserts of Africa, South and North America, Australia, and Asia. In Europe they can be found in the south, in a number of southern countries: Greece, Italy, Albania.

What do turtles eat in the wild?

The diet of turtles directly depends on their species, habitat and lifestyle. Land turtles are practically vegetarians; their main food is tree branches, fruits and grass, mushrooms and vegetables. However, it was not in vain that we wrote practically, since in order to maintain the protein balance in their bodies, turtles can sometimes eat various small animals such as snails, slugs and worms. Land turtles also drink water with pleasure.

But sea and freshwater turtles are already real predators, since their diet includes various small fish, snails, crustaceans (some sea turtles happily eat squid, cuttlefish and other shrimp). But the gastronomic preferences of aquatic turtles are not limited to living creatures; along with them, they also eat plant foods: algae.

Interesting fact, there are species of sea turtles that eat poisonous jellyfish. From such food, the meat of the turtles themselves, in turn, becomes poisonous, which scares potential predators away from them. This is a gastronomic remedy.

Enemies of turtles

Speaking of enemies, in natural conditions the main enemies of turtles are some birds of prey (eagles), which grab small turtles, lift them to a great height, from there they throw them onto stones and peck out their entrails from their broken shells.

Interesting fact: the great ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus died an extremely ridiculous death, he was killed by a turtle that fell on his head. The eagle, having lifted the turtle to a height, mistakenly considered the playwright's bald head to be a large stone suitable for breaking the turtle's shell.

Death of Aeschylus by an eagle and a turtle.

As for giant turtles, given their weight and size, they have no enemies in nature. Even people are increasingly treating these majestic, long-lived creatures with due respect.

When does a turtle hibernate?

Yes, turtles, like some other animals, tend to hibernate, during which all life processes in their body slow down for a while. This usually happens in winter, and hibernation for heat-loving turtles living in temperate latitudes allows them to survive the winter cold without problems.

How to determine the sex of a turtle

The gender difference in turtles is so weakly expressed in appearance that it is sometimes difficult to determine whether this turtle is a “boy” or a “girl.” However, if you approach this issue with due attention, you can identify a number of signs that help determine the sex of a turtle.

1. Shell; in females the shell has a more elongated shape than in males.

2. Plastron, also known as the lower part of the shell. If you turn the turtle over, you can see that in females the lower part of the shell (the one closest to the anus) is flat, while in males it is slightly concave.

3. Tail, males have a tail that is longer and wider at the base, while “lady turtles” have a straight and short tail.

4. Claws, in males they are usually longer on the forelimbs than in females.

Types of turtles, photos and names

The turtle family is divided into two suborders, divided by the way turtles retract their heads into their shells:

• Hidden-necked turtles fold their heads into shells in the shape of the letter S.
• Side-necked turtles hide their heads in one of their front paws.

Also, according to their habitat, all turtles are divided into land and sea turtles, which in turn are divided into freshwater turtles, living in rivers and lakes, and marine turtles, living in the seas and oceans.

Below we take a closer look at some of the most interesting turtle species.

She's a turtle. These are real giant tortoises, the weight of a Galapagos tortoise can exceed 400 kg, the length of the shell reaches up to 1.9 m. These tortoises live on the Galapagos Islands, which gave them their name.

This is already a small representative of land turtles, the length of the Egyptian tortoise shell is no more than 10 cm. They have a yellow-brown color of the shell. This turtle lives in northern Africa and the Middle East.

This is a small turtle that lives in Asia, has a rounded shell and is colored yellow-brown with dark spots. The average size of the shell of this turtle is 10 cm. It is also one of the most popular types of turtles for home keeping.

She's a turtle. It is of medium size, the length of the shell is 0.7 m, with a weight of up to 50 kg. The shell of this turtle is high and dome-shaped. The pattern of the shell shows a spotted pattern, similar to the color of a leopard. The leopard tortoise lives in Africa.

It is notable for being the smallest turtle in the world. The length of its shell is no more than 10 cm, with a weight of up to 165 grams. Lives in South Africa.

Types of freshwater turtles

This small turtle lives in waters of the USA and Canada. It has an interesting olive-green or black shell color and leathery membranes between the toes.

This small turtle lives in the waters of Europe and a number of Asian countries; the length of its shell is 35 cm and its weight is 1.5 kg. It has a brown-brown or olive-colored shell, and also a very long tail, like for a turtle.

So named due to the presence of a bright red spot on the head. The length of the shell of this turtle is 30 cm. Red-eared turtles live in both Americas, in the USA, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and several other countries.

Its characteristic feature is the presence of a cross-shaped plastron and a long tail covered with small spines. It is of medium size, the weight of this turtle reaches up to 30 kg. It lives in the USA and southern Canada; it survives the winter cold in hibernation.

Types of sea turtles

She's a real carriage. The shell of this turtle is painted in brown tones with a pattern of multi-colored spots. The front flippers of this turtle are equipped with two claws. This turtle lives in almost all oceans, with the exception of cold waters near the poles.

Notable for being the largest turtle in the world. Only the span of its front flipper-like paws reaches 2.5 meters. Its weight is more than 900 kg, and its shell length exceeds 2.6 meters. The surface of this turtle's shell is covered with a dense layer of skin (hence the name). It lives in tropical areas of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

It is also a fairly large turtle, its weight reaches up to 450 kg with a shell length of 1.5 m. It has an olive or green shell color, which, however, may have white stripes and dark spots. Its shell is small in height and oval in shape, and its surface is covered with large horny scutes. The head of this turtle is much larger than that of other relatives, and therefore does not hide inside the shell. It lives in tropical areas of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Reproduction of turtles

The mating season for turtles occurs at different times depending on the species. However, in all turtles it occurs in a similar way: the males stage real battles for the right to mate with the female. How do turtles fight? It’s very simple, the land ones try to turn the enemy over with a blow from their shell, and the water ones hit and bite each other with their beaks. Only after driving away a potential rival does the male turtle begin courting his “lady,” forcing her to take a position convenient for the actual mating.

Some time after mating, the female turtle lays spherical or ellipsoidal eggs, from which small turtles will be born. Turtles dig special holes for their eggs, and sometimes even use the nests of crocodiles.

From 1 to 200 eggs can be laid at a time (depending on the species). Also, the duration of the incubation period can last from 2 months to six months or more.

After hatching, small turtles begin to struggle for survival; not all of them will survive to adulthood; young turtles are an excellent target for various predators, especially birds of prey.

How to care for a turtle at home

Keeping turtles at home has recently become very popular, both land and aquatic turtles are kept. And why not, because caring for them is extremely simple, and turtles themselves are unpretentious creatures. True, all of the above is true for small turtles, since keeping large turtles in the house will not be entirely appropriate.

So, what are the rules for caring for turtles? First, in the turtle's habitat, you need to keep a thermometer to monitor the air temperature and a thermometer to monitor the water temperature (if it is an aquatic turtle in an aquarium).

The water in an aquarium for turtles must either be purified using filters, or if there are none, then changed every day. Maintaining hygiene for aquatic turtles involves removing algae from their shells. But land turtles need to be bathed daily in warm water, washing away dirt and food debris. Also, in winter, it is advisable to irradiate turtles a little with the rays of a quartz lamp, thus creating a kind of sunbathing.

What to feed a turtle at home

Turtles need to be provided with a balanced diet. Land turtles can be fed cabbage, dandelion, apple pulp, cucumbers, and tomatoes. To meet the need for protein food, they can be given boiled chicken eggs and vitamin supplements.

Feeding aquatic turtles will be a little more difficult, because they need small animals; you can feed them with dried daphnia, bloodworms, earthworms, boiled chicken or beef. They will not mind eating various insects, cockroaches, and small aquarium fish.

Adult turtles need to be fed once a day, young turtles twice a day and a so-called fasting day once a week.

• It was turtles that were the first to fly around our moon, on board an experimental research probe launched by the Soviet Union back in 1968.
• Turtle meat is an expensive and delicious product in some cuisines around the world.
• Turtles are also present in heraldry, in the depiction of the coats of arms of some cities.
• Despite the fact that turtles do not pose a danger to humans, there are exceptions, for example, male leatherback turtles can confuse a swimmer with a female, grab them with their paws and drag them to the bottom.
• The sex of turtles in the egg is determined by the ambient temperature. At lower temperatures, males are born, at higher temperatures, females are born.

Turtle, video

And finally, here is an interesting documentary about turtles.

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The turtle is a beautiful animal belonging to the order Reptiles. Turtles are considered the oldest creatures that were among the first to appear on earth. In the wild, these animals live in the tropics, as well as in places with a predominant temperate climate. Turtles can live both on land and in water.

Today, terrestrial species have become actively used as pets. Let's look at the main types of domestic turtles.

Terrestrial turtles are divided into two types:

• land;
• freshwater

Types of land turtles

Central Asian tortoise

Among the species of domestic turtles, this animal is considered the most popular. These are exactly the creatures that people most often see when visiting their friends and acquaintances. These are very clumsy animals that are characterized by extremely slow movement. It is worth noting that this turtle is listed in the Red Book, which means that its sale is prohibited by law. However, pet stores do not pay attention to this. In the wild, the main habitat is Central Asia.

The turtle has a light shell with dark scutes. The limbs are characterized by the presence of four fingers. To keep this species in a terrarium, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of about 30 degrees. It is also worth keeping in mind that from a psychological point of view these animals do not like enclosed spaces, it is this fact that explains the rapid death of turtles.

This species has about 20 subspecies, which are characterized by living in completely different climatic conditions. These turtles love warmth and direct sunlight. Each subspecies has its own characteristics: the size and color of the shell. The maximum size reaches 35 cm. On the back of the thigh of this turtle you can see a mound of horny tissue. The front paws have five toes, the hind paws have spurs. Keeping them in a terrarium involves maintaining a temperature of about 25-30 degrees.

Egyptian tortoise

These animals are extremely small. The maximum size of the shell is 12 cm. The color is yellowish with scutes bordered by a dark stripe. There are no spurs on the hind legs. In the wild they live mainly in Egypt, Israel, and Libya. Like most other species, the temperature in the aquarium is required within 24-30 degrees. These turtles have some peculiarities in behavior. So, for example, when any danger approaches, the animal immediately buries itself in the sand.

Balkan tortoise

This species can be confused with Mediterranean turtles by its external features. The main difference is the small size of the shell, about 15-20 cm. The color of the shell is light brown with dark spots. The younger the turtle, the brighter its color. Another distinctive feature should be considered conical spike, which is located at the end of the tail. The main habitat in the wild is Southern Europe, namely the Mediterranean coast. It is worth noting that turtles that live to the west are much smaller than those located in the east. At home, keeping the species is possible at a temperature of 26-32 degrees.

Types of freshwater turtles

European marsh turtle

This species has 13 subspecies. The turtle's shell is low and smooth. The length of the animal is about 35 cm, the average weight of individuals is approximately one and a half kilograms. The color of the shell of turtles is dark green. The head, neck and paws are covered with light spots. The fingers have large, sharp claws and webbing. View characterized by a fairly large tail, the length of which is ¾ of the length of the turtle’s entire body.

In the wild, these animals can be found in different regions of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, etc. Ideal habitat conditions for the species are lakes and ponds. Individuals are most active during the day. The species is one of those listed in the Red Book. Keeping it at home requires a temperature of 22-25 degrees and air temperature of about 30.

Pond slider

Of all the species, city dwellers most often breed this one in their aquariums and terrariums. All 15 subspecies of red-eared turtles are classified as so-called decorated. They received this name because of the red or yellow spots that are located near the ears. The size of individuals is about 18-30 centimeters. Young turtles have a lighter color shell. The head and paws are decorated with stripes of rich green color. The species has sexual differences: males have a more powerful tail and nail plate.

In the wild they are found in Mexico, America, the USA, and less often in Australia, Spain, Great Britain, and Israel. The optimal habitat is marshy shores of water bodies and ponds. Individuals of the species are very lazy, slow and inactive. At home, turtles must be kept at a water temperature of about 28 degrees, air temperature of 32.

Far Eastern turtle

Another name for the species is Chinese trionix. These individuals are the exception to all the rules. The fact is that, unlike the usual hard shell, these turtles have a soft “house”. Dimensions reach 20 cm, the surface of the shell is leathery, soft, without scutes, green in color.

This is not to say that the shell is the only part that can surprise this species. A little It’s unusual to see a trunk instead of a nose and observe the presence of only three toes on the paws. If somewhere in China a small trunk sticks out of a pond, you need to remember that this is a feature of Far Eastern turtles. At first glance, this species is very cute and completely defenseless, but they have a secret here too. Trionix's jaws have special sharp edges, thanks to which the animal can grab prey. In addition, it is worth noting the increased mobility of individuals and the speed of reaction.

For humans, these turtles are also very dangerous, as they often show aggression, bite and are very difficult to tame. The only option to find a common language with individuals is to raise them in captivity from birth. The main habitats are China, Japan, and the Russian Far East. The most popular habitats are bodies of water characterized by weak currents. Chinese and Japanese The meat of these turtles is highly valued and consider it a delicacy. Closed terrariums for keeping at home require maintaining a water temperature of about 26 degrees and an air temperature of 32.

Caspian turtle

Individuals of this species have a flat, oval shell with an average length of 30 cm. The color is dark green with yellow stripes. Stripes can also be noted on the head and limbs. Also the species has sexual differences: Males have a concave carapace and a thicker, longer tail.

In the wild they are found mainly in Southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, the Caucasus, Iraq, and Iran. The most favorable habitat conditions are bodies of water with both fresh and salt water, with the presence of coastal vegetation. This species of turtle has the unique ability to climb mountains to great heights and live for about 30 years. To keep them at home, a certain temperature is required: water -18-22 degrees, air - 30-32.

• ultra-violet rays;
• required water and air temperatures;
• terrarium or aquarium;
• the ability of aquatic turtles to come onto land.

Thus, today there are quite a lot of species of domestic turtles. Each of them requires certain care and has its own characteristics. The choice always remains with the person, who has the right to choose which pet will delight the eye every day.