Differences between various types of turtles

The types of turtles can be roughly divided into three types according to their living habitats: sea turtles, tortoises and freshwater turtles.

They can also be distinguished according to their habits and ecology:

Habitat classification: aquatic - turtles or water turtles, terrestrial - tortoises, native to Taiwan There are only two categories: freshwater turtles and sea turtles.

Differences in feet: Whether it has scales, claws or webs can determine whether it is an aquatic or terrestrial species. The terrestrial ones have claws and the aquatic ones have webs.

Differences in food habits: Most aquatic turtles are carnivorous and highly mobile, while land turtles are mostly omnivorous or herbivorous.

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's attack, and has been able to survive to this day.

However, in the past hundred years, due to man-made hunting and habitat destruction, the number of sea turtles has dropped sharply to the point of extinction. Many sea turtles have long since disappeared, leaving only Just a minority group.

Swamp turtles living in freshwater have no scales on their heads, their shells are relatively flat, and most freshwater turtles have webbed toes. In addition to crawling on land, it is more suitable for swimming in the water. Lake turtles spend all or most of their time in the water and look for food.

The tortoise has scales on its head, and its shell is relatively arched. The tall tortoise shell can reduce damage from exposure to the sun. It contains a large amount of fat and has the function of heat insulation. They have thick and powerful limbs, and their claw-like limbs have hard scales to facilitate walking on land. Tortoises live entirely on land and in water, requiring only a small amount of water.

The turtle shell is flat and streamlined, which can reduce resistance in the water when swimming. Except for coming ashore to lay eggs during the breeding season, they live in the ocean throughout their lives. As it adapted to life in sea water, its limbs evolved into paddle-like shapes. Sea turtles, like marsh turtles, live and feed entirely or most of their time in the water. Turtles live in seawater, eat sea creatures, and consume too much salt, which causes a burden on their bodies. Their well-developed tear glands can eliminate excess salt. When female sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs, their lacrimal glands secrete fluid from time to time to eliminate excess salt and keep their eyes moist. Therefore, people often mistakenly think that turtles are crying.