By trafficon
8 years ago

Turtle heaven

.
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines (or Chelonii[3]) characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs and acting as a shield.[4] "Turtle" may refer to the order as a whole (American English) or to fresh-water and sea-dwelling testudines (British English).[5]

The order Testudines includes both extant (living) and extinct species. The earliest known members of this group date from 157 million years ago,[1] making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than snakes or crocodilians. Of the 327 known species alive today, some are highly endangered.[6][7]

Turtles are ectotherms—animals commonly called cold-blooded—meaning that their internal temperature varies according to the ambient environment. However, because of their high metabolic rate, leatherback sea turtles have a body temperature that is noticeably higher than that of the surrounding water.

Turtles are classified as amniotes, along with other reptiles, birds, and mammals. Like other amniotes, turtles breathe air and do not lay eggs underwater, although many species live in or around water.
8 years
Flutterbydee Thanks for this information. I set quizzes so I was interested to learn the proper word for cold-blooded. That will make a good question. I love the pic too. Was it photo-shopped?
8 years
8 years
trafficon Yes. I love turtles. They are so graceful
8 years
8 years
Flutterbydee I grew up with tortoises, land based relatives of the turtle. Tortoises can recognize people and like to be stroked under the chin if they like you. They also recognize the colour red. They rush over to eat tomatoes :)
8 years
8 years
trafficon Awww that's cute
8 years
8 years
trafficon :)
8 years
8 years
Flutterbydee How do I publish an article on this site please?
8 years
8 years
trafficon Click article then fill it in and then click publish
8 years
8 years
Flutterbydee Thank you
8 years
8 years
trafficon Happy to help
8 years
6 years
Shavkat It is nice to explore the underworld kingdom.
6 years