The shell is also part of a turtle’s skeleton. A turtle cannot change or shed its shell. As the turtle grows, so does its shell.  

At approximately 189 years old, Jonathan the tortoise is the Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest animal alive today.

Turtles are reptiles belonging to the order Testudines and are characterized by their protective shells.

They have been around for over 200 million years, making them one of the oldest reptile groups on Earth.

Turtles are found in various habitats worldwide, including oceans, freshwater rivers and lakes, and terrestrial environments.

They have a bony or cartilaginous shell that encases their body, providing protection from predators and environmental hazards.

Turtles exhibit a wide range of sizes, from small terrestrial species to large marine turtles such as the leatherback and loggerhead.

Many turtle species have a lifespan that can span several decades or even over a century.

Turtles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.

They have a diverse diet that varies depending on the species and habitat, including plants, algae, insects, fish, crustaceans, and carrion.

Turtles have adapted to various feeding strategies, with some species being herbivores, others carnivores, and some omnivores.

Many turtle species exhibit remarkable migration behaviors, traveling long distances between feeding and breeding grounds.

Turtles play important ecological roles as both predators and prey, contributing to ecosystem balance and nutrient cycling.

Unfortunately, many turtle species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation for the pet trade and traditional medicine.