Interesting Facts

A tortoise is a turtle, but a turtle isn't a tortoise.

 A turtle is any shelled reptile belonging to the order Chelonii. The term "tortoise" is more specific, referring to terrestrial turtles. (Of course, there's always an exception. In this case, the land-dwelling box turtle.) Tortoises are usually herbivorous and can't swim.

One easy way to tell 'em apart: look at their feet and shells. Water turtles have flippers or webbed feet with long claws, and their shells are flatter and more streamlined. Tortoises have stubby, elephant-like feet and heavier, domed shells.


A group of tortoises is called a creep.

But you won't see a creep very often. (Not that kind, anyway.) Tortoises are solitary roamers. Some mother tortoises are protective of their nests, but they don't care for their young after they hatch.


Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin cared for the same tortoise, a Galapagos gal named Harriet.

References


The Truth About Tortoises

http://www.durrell.org/kids/fun-factsheets/tortoise-factsheet/

Top 10 Weird Turtle Facts

http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/call-of-the-wildman/lists/10-weird-turtle-facts/

16 Fun Facts About Tortoises

http://mentalfloss.com/article/56805/16-fun-facts-about-tortoises