Well, actually, there’s a meaningful difference between tortoises and other turtles. All tortoises are in fact turtles—that is, they belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia, reptiles having bodies …

Mar 26, 2025 · When people mention turtles, they’re mainly referring to reptiles that have a shell. All tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoises! There are aquatic turtles, which primarily …

Aug 15, 2025 · The terms “tortoise” and “turtle” are often used interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion, but these reptiles exhibit distinct differences in their physical …

Turtles and tortoises are a very old group of reptiles, going back about 220 million years. Of all wildlife with backbones, turtles are the only ones that also have a shell, made up of 59 to 61 …

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 …

Apr 29, 2024 · It’s not always clear what makes a turtle a turtle and a tortoise a tortoise. In fact, many people use the names interchangeably. This article covers the significant differences …

Aug 3, 2025 · In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between tortoises and turtles—starting with an at-a-glance comparison and then diving deeper into each reptile’s …

Discover the definitive guide to turtle vs tortoise differences, from habitat and shell shape to diet and lifespan. Expert insights from 20+ years of wildlife research.

Learn how to tell the difference between a tortoise and a turtle — and what makes their care needs unique.

Oct 29, 2025 · These are just a few of the major differences but read on to find out more about the differences between tortoises and turtles, and the differences between them if you choose to …