Do you know there is a difference between turtle and tortoise? if not, then we will give full information with difference between these two terms in detail.

Both the terms “turtle and tortoise” are closely related. The main difference between the two is that turtle is the name given to water-dwellers and tortoise is the name given to land-dwellers. They are easily identified by the presence of a shell, from which their head and limbs protrude.

Now let’s have a look onto the definition of turtle and tortoise in detail.

Turtles

Turtles are found in Africa and America. Turtles live in the water some or nearly all of the time. Its shell is lighter and more streamlined than that of a tortoise. To enable swimming, it has webbed feet with long claws. Turtles are omnivores, eating both vegetation and meat.

Turtles are omnivores which mean they eat both vegetation and other animals. They have been known to feed on small fish, jellyfish, and insects such as earthworms.  Their life span is shorter than that of the tortoise with an average of 20-40 years and a maximum of 86 years.

Tortoises

Tortoises are found mainly in Asia and Africa, but also in America. It has a rounder, bumpier, heavier shell than a turtle. Its bent legs are short and sturdy. Tortoises are usually herbivores, but some eat meat. Tortoise is generally vegetarians.

Some species of tortoise are thought to consume up to 200 different types of plants throughout the years. Their life span is longer than that of the turtle with an average of 80-150 years and a maximum of 188 years.

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Difference between both the terms will now help you to clear all your doubts.

Definition

A Turtle is a reptile from the Chelonian family and dwells well in the water while a Tortoise is also a reptile from same family but dwells well on land.

Distribution

Turtles are mostly found in Africa and America but tortoise are found mostly in Asia and Africa.

Shape of the Shell

Shell shape of turtles is mostly flat, streamlined shells whereas tortoises have mostly large dome shaped shells.

Weight of the Shell

Shell weight of turtles is mostly lighter than tortoises.

Family

Turtles may belong to numerous families, including Carettochelyidae, Dermatemydidae, Emydidae, etc. whereas tortoise belong to family Testudinidae

Lifespan

Lifespan of turtle is shorter than that of the tortoise with an average of 20-40 years and a maximum of 86 years on the other hand tortoise life is longer than that of the turtle with an average of 80-150 years and a maximum of 188 years.