What is the Difference Between Tortoise and Turtle?

The main differences between tortoises and turtles can be summarized as follows:

1. Habitat: Tortoises primarily live on land, while turtles are adapted for life spent in water.
2. Shell shape: Tortoises have more rounded and domed shells, whereas turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells that are streamlined to aid in swimming.
3. Limbs: Tortoises have club-like forelegs and 'elephantine' hind legs, while turtles have more flipper-like legs or webbed feet to help them move through the water.
4. Feeding habits: Tortoises are generally vegetarians, while turtles are omnivorous.

Despite these differences, all tortoises are in fact turtles, as they belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia, which includes reptiles with bodies encased in a bony shell. However, not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises are exclusively land creatures and live in various habitats, from deserts to wet tropical forests. In contrast, turtles live or spend most of their time in the water, either in lakes, rivers, or oceans.

Comparative Table: Tortoise vs Turtle

Here is a table highlighting the differences between tortoises and turtles:

Please note that these are general characteristics, and there may be exceptions or variations among different species within each group.