Turtles and tortoises, though sharing ancient ancestry and a protective shell, exhibit significant differences in habitat, morphology, and ecological roles. Aquatic turtles possess streamlined shells ...

When we picture sea turtles in the wild, it’s easy to envision them as armored warriors – their hard, resilient shells serving as near-impenetrable shields against oceanic threats like sharks. These ...

I’ve always loved turtles. Since I was about 10 years old, I spent many summer days on foot or on my bike exploring streams and farm ponds near my home in southeastern Pennsylvania. Some days I’d get ...

Long regarded as one of the longest-living pets you could ever own, turtles surprise many pet owners with how long they can live. Whether you have a red eared slider or a map turtle, these reptiles ...

Turtles are often unfairly maligned as fish killers that ruin the ecosystems of our ponds, rivers, and streams. The facts are that many turtles are omnivores and consume large amounts of aquatic ...

People often use the words turtle and tortoise interchangeably, but these reptiles have distinct differences: Turtle shells are typically more flattened and not as deeply domed as tortoise shells, but ...

How smushed shells could help to resolve paleontological mysteries. By Asher Elbein You never know where a bit of unusual scientific research is going to lead. Consider a 2012 study about turtle ...

Caring for tortoises, aquatic turtles, and terrapins means getting their meals just right – and that’s not as straightforward as tossing them a few leaves! These cool reptiles have some seriously ...

Not all pets demand constant attention, and if you're looking for a chill, low-fuss companion, turtles might be the perfect fit. These slow-moving, hard-shelled buddies don't need daily walks, won't ...