The terms “turtle” and “tortoise” are commonly used interchangeably, though many are unaware of their differences. Tortoises are land-dwellers that mainly eat plants, while aquatic turtles have a more varied diet, including small sea animals.
There are still many unknown facts about turtles. Are you interested in learning more? This guide will explore some of the fascinating details about turtles, revealing their incredible journey through time.
9 Fascinating Facts About Turtles
1: Turtles are Ancient
The reptile Eunotosaurus, an ancient turtle, lived around 260 million years ago during the Permian period. It is considered the earliest known ancestor of modern turtles. Fully marine turtles appeared during the Cretaceous Period (145 to 66 million years ago). By 120 million years ago, their features closely resembled those of today’s sea turtles.
In China, the earliest turtle fossil was found in the early Upper Triassic period, about 220 million years ago. Since their emergence, turtles have inhabited tropical and subtropical ocean waters worldwide. They can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometres, defying their slow-moving reputation. Turtles remain the oldest reptiles that still exist today.
2: There are Approximately 356 Species of Turtles
The turtle family consists of 356 species, making up 3% of all reptile species. This is relatively small compared to other reptiles. Some sea turtle species include loggerhead, leatherback, green, hawksbill, flatback, Kemp’s ridley, and olive ridley. Turtles are divided into “side-necked” and “hidden-necked” groups, which belong to the suborders Pleurodira and Cryptodira, respectively.
A concerning fact is that, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 161 of these species are currently threatened. Of these, 51 are critically endangered, facing the highest risk of extinction. Sadly, the death of Lonesome George in June 2012 marked the extinction of an entire species.
3: Turtles Donāt Have Teeth
Modern turtles no longer have teeth, unlike their ancestors, who had teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. A species from 200 million years ago called Odontochelys is known as a “toothed turtle” due to its teeth in both jaws.
Today, only newborn turtles have a single tooth, called an egg-tooth or caruncle. This tooth, located at the front of the upper jaw, helps hatchlings break out of their eggs. It typically falls off within a few months. Despite this, turtles do not possess actual teeth; instead, they use their strong, uniquely shaped beaks to eat.
4: Turtles Can Live for a Long Time!
Jonathan, a giant turtle born in 1832, was recognized as the “world’s oldest animal on land” by Guinness World Records in 2019, at the age of 187. Turtles are known for their long lifespans, with some species living for decades or more. For example, a Box turtle typically lives 20 to 50 years, while a Greek tortoise can live over 100 years.
Telomeres, DNA structures, play a role in maintaining chromosome integrity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases like cancer. Turtles in captivity tend to live longer due to proper care and protection. Some species may live 10 to 20 years in captivity, while others can live up to 150 years.
5: A Turtleās Gender is Determined by Temperature
In most animals, sex is determined by sex chromosomes. Turtles, however, differ in this aspect as they lack sex chromosomes. Instead, temperature plays a key role in determining their sex. This process is called temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Research indicates that turtle eggs incubated below 81.86Ā°F produce male turtles, while those incubated above 88.8Ā°F result in female turtles. Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to a mix of both male and female baby turtles.
6: Leatherback Sea Turtleā The Largest Turtle Species
Leatherback Sea Turtles are the largest turtle species, weighing between 550 and 2,000 pounds and reaching lengths of up to six feet. Unlike other turtles, they have no hard shell but instead possess rubbery skin. These turtles are typically found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and are known for migrating across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Despite their impressive size and adaptability, the Leatherback Sea Turtle is now considered endangered, according to the U.S. federal government.
7: Turtles Can Sleep Underwater
Yes, this is one of the surprising facts about turtles. However, not all turtles sleep underwater. Some, like box turtles, don’t, while others, such as mud turtles, musk turtles, and painted turtles, prefer to sleep underwater for 4 to 7 hours.
You may wonder how turtles manage to stay underwater for long periods. Their diving response allows them to endure by making physiological changes that conserve oxygen and energy. It slows their heart rate and reduces blood flow to essential organs like the brain, heart, and lungs, helping them breathe with limited oxygen.
8: Turtles are Omnivores
Most turtles are omnivores, but their diet varies by species. Some turtles are herbivores or carnivores, depending on their family.
For example, hawksbills feed on sponges, while leatherbacks hunt jellyfish. Green turtle hatchlings are omnivores, eating algae, seagrasses, and seaweed. Olive Ridley turtles consume a mix of animals and plants, including crabs, lobster, shrimp, urchins, jellyfish, algae, and fish.
9: Turtles are Cold Blooded
Like all reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded and depend on external sources, like sunlight, to control their body temperature. A sudden drop in temperature can cause turtles to become lethargic as they struggle to adapt to the cooler environment. With temperatures dropping quickly, turtles remain in one spot and can’t move to warmer areas, leading to hypothermia or cold stunning.
Conclusion
Turtles are fascinating creatures with a diversity that mirrors the ecosystems they call home. They can sleep underwater, have been around for 260 million years, and can live up to 187 years. However, these amazing animals are at risk. Human actions, such as poor pet care and hunting, contribute significantly to the decline of turtle species. It’s crucial to support conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. Participating in wildlife reservations can help protect turtles and tortoises, ensuring their survival for future generations.
FAQs
What are the 5 facts about turtles?
- Turtles are ancient creatures, first appearing 260 million years ago.
- There are around 356 species of turtles worldwide.
- Turtles can live for an impressive 187 years.
- A turtle’s gender is determined by the temperature it experiences.
- Turtles are capable of sleeping underwater for up to 7 hours.
How long can a turtle live?
A turtle can live anywhere from 20 to over 100 years, depending on its species and care. The longest-living turtle, Jonathan, holds the world record at 187 years.
Are turtles omnivores?
Most turtles, such as red-eared and painted turtles, are omnivores. However, hawksbills and leatherbacks primarily feed on sponges and jellyfish.
Can turtles sleep underwater?
Yes, many turtles sleep underwater, but not all. Box turtles are an exception. Mud turtles, musk turtles, and painted turtles, however, can rest underwater for 4 to 7 hours.
Are turtles cold-blooded?
All turtles are cold-blooded, meaning they can’t regulate their body temperature. They rely on external sources, like sunlight, to adjust their heat and survive.