They may belong to the same order, but there's a lot that sets them apart. Here's a quick guide
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Here are some interesting facts you will find in this explainer on turtles and tortoises.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
A turtle is adapted for life in water with webbed feet or flippers and a streamlined shell, while a tortoise is built for land with sturdy, dome-shaped shells and elephant-like legs.
Which turtles are tortoises?
Tortoises are a type of turtle that live exclusively on land, belong to the family Testudinidae, and are distinct from aquatic turtles like sea turtles and terrapins. So, while all tortoises are turtles (in the broad sense of the order Testudines), not all turtles are tortoises.
Are tortoises and turtles related?
Yes, tortoises and turtles are related — they both belong to the order Testudines, which includes all species with a shell fused to their ribs and vertebrae.Can tortoise live in water?
No, tortoises cannot live in water.Is there a difference between a freshwater turtle and a sea turtle?
Yes, there is a difference between a freshwater turtle and a sea turtleHow many species of turtles are found in India?
Seven species of sea turtles and twenty four species of freshwater turtles are found in India.How many species of tortoises are found in India?
Five species of tortoises are found in India.Read more about sea turtles here.
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