There is more that meets the eye when learning about turtles and tortoises. Although all are from the class Reptilia, turtles and tortoises are different creatures. A turtle is an animal with a shell that protects it from predators. A tortoise is a turtle with the exception that it can visit water for a drink. Turtles can be found in the wild or even as household pets. There are many different kinds such as the snapping turtle, sea turtle, the radiated turtle, wood turtle, spotted turtle, and eastern painted turtle. Each species as beautiful as the other, ranging in many different shapes and sizes. Choosing a turtle for your domestic pet is an important decision. Because of the many different types of turtles, it is important to find the one best suited for you. Turtles are mostly non-aggressive animals. They can eat bugs, vegetables, or even store bought pellets. The health and life of a turtle depends on the condition of its tank and the way it is handled. Turtles can live for many years if properly taken care of. They are great companions and amazing creatures.
The Internet Resources
Turtle Basics
Basics
- This web page describes what a turtle is. For example, Turtles are reptiles whose soft body is covered by a hard shell. This site is clear in descriptions of the appearance and living criteria of a turtle. This is a great page to go if you're a youth doing a report on turtles. I give this page a 5 star rating because if was interesting and clear.
Living environment
- This is the animal information center webpage. Because the page is loaded with many different animal pages, there is not much on turtles and tortoises. The information that is given is very basic. For example, 'There are freshwater turtles, sea turtles who live in oceans, and tortoises—turtles that live on land.' With specific facts like this you can't go wrong! I give this page 3 stars because although it was helpful with the information given, there are many other websites you can visit with the same facts and more.
Turtle vs. Tortoise
- This is a website that talks about the beginnings of turtles and tortoises, what they are, the difference between them, and the origin of the name. It doesn't seem to be to useful, however it does give the class, order and family of the species. For example, CLASS: Reptilia ORDER: Chelonia FAMILY: Testudinidae. With the exception of a few good details, this site doesn't seem to be so great. I give this site 2 stars because it wouldn't be to good of a site to look at if you were searching for info about turtles.
Sites with Pictures
Turtles
- This website includes many different sites for different kinds of turtles. It ranges from sea turtles to snapping turtles and even has a section on tortoises. The writer includes pictures for each species and a short summery on the animal in the picture. For example, Kinixys belliana (Bell's Hinged Tortoise) has a hinged shaped shell to protect it from any predators. This is a good website to look at for well-captured pictures. I give this page a 4 star rating.
Large Gallery
- This is a personal website. The author of this site loves turtles and includes many pictures of different species. The author also includes a turtle memorial for any turtles that have previously passed. If you are looking for pictures of turtles or wondering how to raise one as a pet, this is the place to look. I give this page 5 stars because it is very entertaining, with many games, stories and pictures.
Diversity and Attitude
Radiated tortoise
- This page talks about the general appearance of both turtles and tortoises plus there living habits and other interesting
