It typically eats grasses, flowers and weeds. The differences in lifespan maybe due to varied environmental conditions and diet. The biggest difference between a tortoise and a turtle is that while tortoises live on land, turtles spent most or all of their time in water. Of course, turtle can also refer to the many types of turtles that live in fresh water, such as lakes or ponds. Tortoises are vegetarians and the Turtles are Omnivores. A lot of people seem to use the terms turtle and tortoise, interchangeably. Turtle vs Tortoise (Comparison Table - 5 Differences between Turtle and Tortoise) The names turtles and tortoise are often used interchangeably. The turtle vs tortoise debate is a complicated one. Turtles and tortoises have the same classification of animal type down to being in the same order, the Testudines’, but tortoises are in the family Testudinidae while turtles are in several families depending on the species of tortoise. The main difference between the two is that turtle is the name given to water-dwellers and tortoise is the name given to land-dwellers. There are many more types of turtles that do not fit in the tortoise group. They are both reptiles from the same family (Testudines or Chelonian). Another difference between a turtle and a tortoise is that a tortoise is mostly herbivorous. But that is not always right. Turtle vs. Tortoise. In fact, some weren’t even aware that there are actual differences between the two. Tortoises often have claws to dig burrows, which they occupy during hot, sunny weather or when they sleep. What are the differences and similarities between turtles and ... What are the similarities between turtle and fish? Turtles and tortoises are closely related. More details of turtle and tortoise will be discussed in this article. What is the Malayalam word for kalonji . The turtle vs tortoise debate is a complicated one. Some tortoises also eat insects, worms and carrion. What’s the difference between turtle and tortoise and terrapins?? Well, this article might clear all your confusions. The fact that tortoise and turtles belong to the same class of the animal kingdom ‘reptiles’ – is possibly known to all of us. Turtle and tortoise are popular pets nowadays. Tortoises also eat shrubs, cacti and other plants that have a lot of moisture. Tortoises have bent feet and Turtles have webbed feet. Both the families have some similarities and dissimilarities, but it is the main reason that a box turtle is not a tortoise. Tortoises can live upto 150 years where as turtles have a smaller life span of 80 years. Unanswered Questions. So in order to make things clear I decided to make this article in which I am going to point out the differences and similarities between turtles and tortoises. The Difference Between Turtle And Tortoise And Terrapins . The majority of the tortoises demonstrate the sexual dimorphism, but the differences between the two sexes vary among species. While it’s true that every tortoise is a turtle, not every turtle is a tortoise. Turtle and tortoise are ancient reptiles that appeared on Earth 157 million years ago. Sometimes the name "terrapin" refers to those animals that fall somewhere between a turtle and tortoise, because they live in swampy areas or … Another difference between a turtle and a tortoise is that a tortoise is mostly herbivorous. Key Differences There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to turtles and tortoise. There are more than 300 species of turtles and tortoises that can be found on all continents except Antarctica. What are the differences and similarities between turtles and tortoises? Turtle is often used to refer to sea turtles that rarely leave the ocean. Many of you may still wonder what the differences between a turtle and a tortoise are. Turtles, tortoises and terrapins are closely related reptiles of the order Testudines. Turtle – Facts, Characteristics, Behavior Wow! How to Tell the Difference Between a Tortoise, Terrapin and Turtle. However the term turtle is usually applied to the aquatic or semi aquatic forms and tortoise are land dwelling reptiles. Their shell forms a rounded dome, allowing the tortoise's limbs and head to withdraw for protection.