A turtle is a type of reptile that belongs to the Testudines order. They are characterized by their hard, bony shell that protects their body. Turtles can live both in water and on land, and they have a variety of diets depending on their species, including plants, insects, and other small animals.
Fact number one.
The direct ancestors of modern turtles are the Discozoauridae, extinct amphibians. The ancestry of turtles is a subject of ongoing scientific research and debate, but the prevailing view among researchers is that turtles are most closely related to a group of extinct reptiles called «anapsids».
The anapsids were a diverse group of reptiles that lived during the Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. Unlike other reptiles, they lacked openings in their skull called temporal fenestrae, which are important for jaw muscle attachment.
Fact number two.
Turtles as animals are unusual in that they have the ability to hide their head and tail under their shell. Yes, turtles are unique among animals in that they have a shell that they can retract their head, legs, and tail into for protection. This shell is made up of two parts: the carapace (the upper shell) and the plastron (the lower shell). The carapace and plastron are connected by a bridge, which allows the turtle to retract its body into the shell for protection when threatened.
The ability to retract their head and tail into their shell is a useful adaptation for turtles, as it helps protect them from predators. When threatened, turtles can quickly withdraw their head and tail into their shell, making it difficult for predators to grab onto them. Additionally, the shell itself provides a physical barrier between the turtle and its predators, further enhancing their protection.
Fact number three.
The shell of a tortoise is made up of two main parts: the carapace (upper shell) and the plastron (lower shell), which are connected by a bridge. The carapace and plastron are made of bone, covered by a layer of tough, keratinized scales known as scutes.
Fact number four.
Some turtle species (e.g., Galapagos tortoises) can go without food and water for a year or more. It’s important to note, however, that while some turtles can survive without food and water for extended periods of time, it is not a healthy or sustainable way of life for them. In the wild, these turtles would typically only go without food and water during periods of extreme drought or other environmental stresses.
Fact number five.
Despite their appearance, turtles have well-developed senses such as touch, smell, sight and hearing. Yes, that’s correct! Turtles have well-developed senses that help them navigate their environment, locate food, and avoid predators. Overall, turtles are well-equipped with a range of senses that help them survive in their environment.
Fact number six.
Sea turtles use a variety of vocalizations, such as grunts, hisses, and moans, to communicate with each other. These sounds are typically low-frequency and can travel over long distances in the water. Some researchers have also noted that sea turtles may be able to detect and respond to certain sounds produced by other marine animals, such as fish and crustaceans.
Fact number seven.
Sea turtles can navigate using the magnetic field of our planet. Sea turtles are known to use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate during their long-distance migrations, such as when they travel to nesting sites or feeding grounds. Scientists have discovered that sea turtles have magnetite crystals in their brains, which allows them to sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use it as a compass to navigate. They can also detect changes in the intensity and angle of the magnetic field to determine their location and orientation.
Fact number eight.
The meat of some turtle species is poisonous because of the way they eat. Specifically, some species of turtles, such as the green sea turtle and the snapping turtle, are known to feed on certain types of plants that contain toxins. These toxins can accumulate in the turtle’s body over time and make their meat poisonous for humans and other animals to consume.
Fact number nine.
There are soft-bodied turtles, they have almost no shell. While there are some species of turtles that have relatively soft shells, such as the leatherback sea turtle, no turtles exist without a shell altogether. Even the softest shells provide some protection to the turtle’s body, and are an essential part of their physical defense mechanisms.
Fact number ten.
Despite all the good-naturedness of turtles, there are species that can attack a large animal or even a person. While turtles are generally known for their peaceful and docile nature, there are some species that can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are provoked. It’s important to remember that even a seemingly harmless animal can become dangerous if it feels threatened or cornered.
