postheadericon Wonderful Tortoise Facts About the Creatures That Live Within Their Shells



by Alan Stables


The world of animal life, especially that of tortoises and tortoise facts is always interesting. There are very few reptiles that can outperform tortoises and turtles when it comes to longevity. American box turtles are known the world over for their lifespan that may cross well over a hundred years.

Regardless of a turtle's age, they organs are efficient. There are some 40 different types of over 250 varies species that make up the family of turtles.

The most popular species of turtles are the Mediterranean tortoises, the Aldabran tortoises, Galapagos tortoises, the, the red foot tortoises, the desert tortoises, the hinge back tortoises, the yellow foot tortoises and the Russian tortoises.

Some turtles are extremely big like the leatherback turtle. This specific turtle has the ability to grow up to 8 feet tall and can weigh as much as over 800 kilograms making it also the heaviest turtle ever. Dramatically, the smallest of this family can grow as less as 4 inches tall and weigh just above a hundred grams.

The shells on these turtles provide protection. Their shells allow them to pull themselves in and out of their shells for protection.

The upper part of their body shield if effective in many ways. This area is called the carapace while the inner side is known as the plastron. In total, it encompasses about sixty bones and is attached to the spinal cord. Many shells are dome-shaped high carapaces, giving distinct shell shapes.

The pancake tortoise is found in eastern Africa. It is believed to inflate and extract air depending on its surroundings. Most researchers believe this is due to their long lifespan and their shell make up.

Tortoises are the most terrestrial animals out there but make splendid pets. Learn the tortoise facts for your future reference and guidance.




About the Author: