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) …

Turtles are reptiles, like snakes and lizards, but they’re more ancient than either of those groups. The first turtles appeared over 200 million years ago. Although many turtle species live in the …

Dec 11, 2025 · turtle, (order Testudines), any reptile with a body encased in a bony shell, including tortoises. Although numerous animals, from invertebrates to mammals, have evolved …

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 …

Sea turtles, such as the Green Sea Turtle or Loggerhead, have streamlined shells and paddle-shaped flippers for efficient aquatic movement. They spend nearly their entire lives in the …

ABOUT Turtle, tortoise, and terrapin: what's the difference? All turtles, tortoises, and terrapins are reptiles. Scientists often refer to them as chelonians, because they are in the taxonomic order …

Seven different species of sea (or marine) turtles grace our ocean waters, from the shallow seagrass beds of the Indian Ocean to the colorful reefs of the Coral Triangle and the sandy …

Click on an individual turtle listed in the right column of the map to learn more about species and tracking duration.

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.

Sep 3, 2025 · Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines with a characteristic bony shell. They are slow-moving, air-breathing animals that are opportunistic feeders, seeking almost …