What is the Difference of a Turtle and Tortoise
Turtle and Tortoises are all classified, scientifically as Chelonians. Chelonian refers to all turtles and tortoises, no matter whether they live in the ocean, in fresh water or on land. There are over 250 species of chelonians, many are impossible to keep as pets.
The term tortoise refers to those chelonians that live on land and rarely venture into the water except to drink or bathe. Tortoises range in size from tiny little ones weighing less than a pound to gigantic, weighing over 600 pounds. Putting the size aside, they all have many things in common. Tortoises are primarily herbivores (plant eaters), some will scavenge if given the chance. Tortoises have hard shells, often with high domes to help protect agains predators.
The term turtle applies to those chelonians that live in or around water. Box turtles would be the only exception to that rule, they are primarily terrestrial, but are almost always found within walking distance of water.
Turtles and tortoises are in the reptile family, which means they are ectothermic, or cold-blooded. Cold-blooded animals rely on external heat sources such as warm ground, hot rocks or sunshine to warm their bodies.
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