Turtle vs Tortoise: What's the Difference?

Learn to differentiate between turtles and tortoises with this informative video.

Turtles spend most of their time in the water. They have adapted to aquatic life with features like webbed feet or flippers, making them excellent swimmers. Commonly found in oceans, rivers, and ponds, turtles can also be identified by their streamlined shells designed for swimming.

Tortoises dwell on land. They are not built for swimming and prefer dry environments. Tortoises have sturdy, elephant-like legs and domed shells, which protect them from predators and help them navigate terrestrial landscapes. You'll often find tortoises in deserts, grasslands, and forests.

Here’s a simple way to remember:

• If the creature lives in water, it's a turtle.
• If it lives on land, it's a tortoise.

Watch the video to see these differences visually and learn more about these fascinating creatures.