Turtle vs. Tortoise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Turtles primarily live in water and have webbed feet or flippers, while tortoises are land-dwellers with stumpy legs.
Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Turtles are reptiles that are adapted mainly for aquatic life. They possess limbs that are either webbed or shaped like flippers which aid in swimming. On the other hand, tortoises are also reptiles but are adapted primarily for terrestrial life. Their legs are more stumpy and robust, suitable for roaming on land.
Turtles, being aquatic or semi-aquatic, have streamlined bodies which help them navigate water with ease. Tortoises, conversely, have a more domed shell shape that isn't particularly designed for swimming. Additionally, when it comes to diet, turtles might consume a mix of plant and animal matter depending on their species. Tortoises, especially those on land, predominantly eat a herbivorous diet, munching on grass, herbs, and leafy greens.
Finally, turtles often have a more flat, lightweight shell structure which is an adaptation to their watery habitat. Tortoises, however, have a heavier, more rounded shell which provides protection from terrestrial threats.
Comparison Chart
Habitat
Primarily aquatic or semi-aquatic environments
Terrestrial environments
Limbs
Webbed feet or flippers for swimming
Stumpy, robust legs for walking
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Shell Shape
Flatter and more streamlined
Domed and rounded
Diet
Mixed diet of plants and animals
Primarily herbivorous
Life Expectancy
Generally less than tortoises, but varies
Often longer, some live 100+ years
Compare with Definitions
Turtle
A reptile adapted primarily for aquatic life.
The turtle swam gracefully through the pond.
Tortoise
Any member of the family Testudinidae.
The Galápagos tortoise is one of the largest in the world.
Turtle
A creature known for its slow movement on land.
The turtle made its way slowly across the sand.
Tortoise
A land-dwelling reptile with a domed shell.
The tortoise enjoys basking in the sun.
Turtle
An animal with a bony or cartilaginous shell.
The turtle's shell provides it with protection.
Tortoise
A creature known for its slow, steady pace.
The tortoise took its time exploring the garden.
Turtle
A symbol of patience and longevity in various cultures.
The turtle is revered in many Native American tales.
Tortoise
A symbol of persistence and determination in many fables.
The tortoise won the race against the hare through sheer persistence.
Turtle
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines , also known as Chelonia . They are characterized by a bony or cartilaginous shell, developed from their ribs, that acts as a shield.
Tortoise
A herbivorous creature primarily consuming grasses and leafy greens.
The tortoise munched contentedly on the lettuce.
Turtle
Any of various aquatic or terrestrial egg-laying reptiles of the order Testudines (or Chelonia), having horny toothless jaws and a bony or leathery shell into which the head, limbs, and tail can be withdrawn in most species.
Tortoise
Tortoises () are reptile species of the family Testudinidae of the order Testudines (from the Latin name for tortoise). They are particularly distinguished from other turtles (which includes the order Chelonia) by being exclusively land-dwelling, while many (though not all) other turtle species are at least partly aquatic.
Turtle
Any of various members of this order that live in fresh or brackish water, in contrast to the terrestrial tortoises.
Tortoise
Any of various terrestrial turtles, especially one of the family Testudinidae, characteristically having thick clublike hind limbs and a high, rounded carapace.
Turtle
Chiefly British A sea turtle.
Tortoise
One that moves slowly; a laggard.
Turtle
The flesh of certain turtles, used for food.
Tortoise
Any of various land-dwelling reptiles, of the family Testudinidae or the order Testudines , whose body is enclosed in a shell (carapace plus plastron). The animal can withdraw its head and four legs partially into the shell, providing some protection from predators.
Turtle
A turtledove.
Tortoise
Synonym of {{en
Turtle
A turtleneck.
Tortoise
Any one of numerous species of reptiles of the order Testudinata.
Turtle
To hunt for turtles, especially as an occupation.
Tortoise
Same as Testudo, 2.
Turtle
(Nautical) To capsize.
Tortoise
Usually herbivorous land turtles having clawed elephant-like limbs; worldwide in arid area except Australia and Antarctica
Turtle
Any land or marine reptile of the order Testudines, characterised by a protective shell enclosing its body. See also tortoise.
Turtle
A marine reptile of that order.
Turtle
An Ancient Roman attack method, where the shields held by the soldiers hide them, not only left, right, front and back, but also from above.
Turtle
(computing) A type of robot having a domed case (and so resembling the reptile), used in education, especially for making line drawings by means of a computer program.
Turtle
(computing) An on-screen cursor that serves the same function as a turtle for drawing.
Turtle
The curved plate in which the form is held in a type-revolving cylinder press.
Turtle
(comptheory) A small element towards the end of a list of items to be bubble sorted, and thus tending to take a long time to be swapped into its correct position. Compare rabbit.
Turtle
(dance) A breakdancing move consisting of a float during which the dancer's weight shifts from one hand to the other, producing rotation or a circular "walk".
Turtle
(television) A low stand for a lamp etc.
Turtle
A turtle dove.
Turtle
(intransitive) To flip over onto the back or top; to turn upside down.
Turtle
(intransitive) To move along slowly.
Turtle
(intransitive) To turn and swim upside down.
Turtle
(intransitive) To hunt turtles, especially in the water.
Turtle
To build up a large defense force and strike only occasionally, rather than going for an offensive strategy.
Turtle
The turtledove.
Turtle
Any one of the numerous species of Testudinata, especially a sea turtle, or chelonian.
Turtle
The curved plate in which the form is held in a type-revolving cylinder press.
Turtle
Any of various aquatic and land reptiles having a bony shell and flipper-like limbs for swimming
Turtle
Overturn accidentally;
Don't rock the boat or it will capsize!
Turtle
Hunt for turtles, especially as an occupation
Turtle
Any member of the order Testudines.
The painted turtle is a popular pet in the US.
Common Curiosities
Are turtles and tortoises the same animal?
No, turtles primarily live in water, while tortoises live on land.
Why do tortoises have a domed shell?
The domed shell of a tortoise provides better protection from predators on land.
What do turtles eat?
Turtles can eat a mix of plant and animal matter depending on their species.
What's the primary diet of a tortoise?
Tortoises are primarily herbivores, consuming grasses, herbs, and leafy greens.
Can you keep a turtle and a tortoise together?
No, because they have different habitats and dietary needs.
Can turtles live outside of water?
Some turtles, like terrapins and box turtles, can live both in and out of water but are different from tortoises.
How long can turtles and tortoises live?
It varies, but some tortoises can live over 100 years, generally outliving turtles.
Are turtles and tortoises endangered?
Many species of turtles and tortoises are at risk due to habitat loss, poaching, and other factors.
Are all turtles sea creatures?
No, while some turtles are marine, others inhabit freshwater or are semi-aquatic.
Why do tortoises move so slowly?
Their sturdy and heavy shell and their robust legs are adapted for stability and strength, not speed.
Can tortoises swim?
While they might float, tortoises are not adapted for swimming and can drown.
Is it legal to keep turtles and tortoises as pets?
It varies by location and species; some require permits, while others might be illegal to keep or trade.
Can tortoises retract into their shells?
Yes, most tortoises can retract their head and limbs into their shells for protection, as can many turtles.
Do turtles have teeth?
No, turtles have sharp beaks. Tortoises also have beaks but not teeth.
Which is bigger, a turtle or a tortoise?
It varies by species, but some tortoises like the Galápagos tortoise are among the largest of the order Testudines.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
