What's the difference between a Tortoise and a Turtle?​

 

• Tortoises have more rounded and domed shells where turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells.  Turtle shells are more streamlined to aid in swimming.

• One major key difference is that tortoises spend most of their time on land and turtles are adapted for life spent in water.

• Tortoises have club-like forelegs and 'elephantine' hind legs. Because tortoise are often larger and heavier, there elephantine hind legs help them move around and carry the extra weight!

• Turtles will have more flipper like legs, or webbed feet to make it easier to cruise through the water.