what is the major differences between tortoise and turtle.... how can you distinguish between them if you see any of them......... is any of them harmful, if yes how?
Answers
Tortoises and turtles are both reptiles from the order of Testudines, but in different classification families. The major difference between the two is that tortoises dwell on land, while turtles live in the water some or nearly all of the time. The bodies of tortoises and turtles are both shielded by a shell, the upper part of which is called carapace, with the lower portion called a plastron. The carapace and the plastron are attached by a bridge, which means that though the head and limbs of a turtle or tortoise may be withdrawn from the shell, the whole body can never be totally detached from it. These reptiles are generally reclusive and shy in nature.
Birth Tortoise hatchlings move from their nest to the mothers burrow soon after birth. Turtle hatchlings stay in their nest on their own for 90-120 days.
Lifespan 80-150 years. The longest living Tortoise is 326 years. 20-40 years. The oldest was 86 years.
Kingdom Animalia Animalia
Phylum Chordata Chordata
Class Reptilia Reptilia
Order Testudines (a.k.a., Chelonii) Testudines (a.k.a., Chelonii)
Family Testudinidae Numerous families, including Carettochelyidae (pig-nosed turtle), Dermatemydidae (Central American river turtles), Emydidae (pond/water turtles), etc.