Nature is a calming setting and with tortoises, there are plenty of tortoise facts to learn. A few reptiles can outperform tortoises and turtles when it comes to longevity. American box turtles are widely known for their lifespan – over one 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 ones known to be found are 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 reptiles help cover their bodies and provide protection. Their shells act as protection as most can pull themselves in and out of their shells.
The upper part of this effective body shield is called carapace and the inner side is known as plastron. It is made up of about sixty bones and is always attached to the spinal cords of tortoises. Many tortoises’ shells have dome-shaped high carapaces.
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 can be great pets too and are probably the best terrestrial animals proved. This subject is absolutely intriguing. Things only get interesting with other tortoise facts are known.
For all things related to tortoise facts, then go no further than visiting Alan Stables’s websites on tortoise names and tortoise housing. There is something for everyone who loves tortoises.
