Turtles are reptiles, classified by their hard shells that form from their ribs. They're one of the oldest reptile classes, having been around for 220 million years. Generally when people think of turtles they think of the swimming variety. There's also tortoises, which are land-dwellers, and terrapins, which live in brackish water. Between the species there are general similarities such as camouflage shells and, for some, the ability to pull into their shells for defense.
Turtles live all OVER the world, on almost every continent. There's typically two different varieties, the freshwater turtle and the sea turtle, with the latter being found in every ocean. Unfortunately a lot of species of both, as well as tortoises and terrapins, are highly endangered but there are people trying hard to save them.
They're also popular as pets, even though they can be known to spread salmonella to people less than careful. You've gotta be careful too, because some species are incredibly long-lived; better write them into your will.
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Turtles are reptiles, classified by their hard shells that form from their ribs. They're one of the oldest reptile classes, having been around for 220 million years. Generally when people think of turtles they think of the swimming variety. There's also tortoises, which are land-dwellers, and terrapins, which live in brackish water. Between the species there are general similarities such as camouflage shells and, for some, the ability to pull into their shells for defense.
Turtles live all OVER the world, on almost every continent. There's typically two different varieties, the freshwater turtle and the sea turtle, with the latter being found in every ocean. Unfortunately a lot of species of both, as well as tortoises and terrapins, are highly endangered but there are people trying hard to save them.
They're also popular as pets, even though they can be known to spread salmonella to people less than careful. You've gotta be careful too, because some species are incredibly long-lived; better write them into your will.
[He smiles.] Does that help any?