Difference between Turtle and Tortoise

What is the difference between turtle and tortoise? If this question is bothering you then you must know that there is huge difference between both of them. This article will help you to identify and differentiate these two reptiles. Before we talk about their differences, I would like to highlight what turtles and tortoises have in common. Both turtle and tortoise are reptiles and a member of testudines family. Both of them have certain common physical traits. The main physical trait that is common in both is the hard shell. Moreover, both of them have scales and are egg layers. Turtle and tortoise both warm their bodies from outside sources.

Primary difference between turtle and tortoise:

Turtles spend their lives in or near water whereas tortoise species are land dwelling animals. At times, tortoises soak in water and sink like a rock whereas turtles swim in water. Therefore, turtles are well designed for their aquatic environment while tortoises are heavy, bulky and larger in size as compared to turtle. Turtle loves to migrate from one place to another by swimming whereas tortoise loves to stay at one place.

Turtle and tortoise feeding habits:

Turtles are omnivorous animal whereas tortoises are herbivorous animal. Therefore, turtles eat both plant and fish but tortoises eat only plants, leaves and shrubs.

Difference in physique of turtle and tortoise:

Both turtle and tortoise have hard shells except the marine leatherback turtle. However, turtles have flat shells whereas tortoises have more vertical shaped shells.
Turtle and tortoise have different types of feet because turtle lives in the water and tortoise lives on the ground. Feet of these animals are designed according to this. Therefore, turtle have flippers so that they can swim and tortoise have feet with pads to walk through rough desert terrain. Turtle can live up to 20 – 40 years whereas tortoise can live up to 80 – 150 years. Still Turtles are more admired as pet as compared to tortoises.

Reproduction habit of turtle and tortoise:

Tortoise hatchling shift from their nest to their mother’s burrow soon after birth. Whereas, turtle hatchling stay in their nest form 19 – 20 days. Turtle belongs to sauropsida class whereas tortoise belongs to reptilia class.

Geographical Distribution difference:

Turtle are mostly found in Asia, Africa and America whereas tortoises are mostly found in Africa and America.

The above mentioned information may help you to accurately identify turtle and tortoise. Both turtle and tortoise require proper attention and care to survive. If you are keeping them as a pet then make sure to fulfill all their basic requirements. It is advisable to keep turtle as a pet instead of tortoise because they make a good pet. Proper habitats, food, care and attention is required by both of them.