Tortoises

Tortoises are reptiles that look a lot like turtles. The big difference is that tortoises live on land, not in water. They carry a hard shell on their back that keeps them safe. Tortoises are famous for moving very slowly.

Built-In Homes

A tortoise's shell is part of its body. It is made of bone and is covered with hard plates. When a tortoise feels scared, it can pull its head and legs inside. The shell is very strong and hard to break.

A tortoise skeleton showing the bones inside its shell.
A tortoise skeleton showing the bones inside its shell. (M A Smith / Wikimedia Commons)

Long Lives

Tortoises can live longer than almost any other animal. Some have lived to be more than 150 years old. They eat plants, grass, and fruit. Moving slowly helps them save energy for a long, peaceful life.

Fun Facts

  • The biggest tortoises can weigh more than 500 pounds.
  • Tortoises have been alive since the time of the dinosaurs.
  • A tortoise named Jonathan is over 190 years old and still lives today.

Did You Know?

Giant tortoises live on the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin studied them long ago.