Some Interesting Tortoise Facts
As popular as tortoises are becoming as pets, there are many tortoise facts that people don't know. If you are considering getting a pet tortoise or just want to learn more about these interesting animals, you may find that they are more interesting than you expected.
Mother tortoises burry their eggs close to their burrow. They are very motherly. This behavior contrasts significantly from their cousins the turtles. After about 4 months of incubation, the kids hatch out of their eggs go find their mother who takes care of them for the first few months of their lives.
There are 40 species of tortoises, almost each of which can be identified by the shape and patterns found on their carapace. The carapace represents the upper part of the shell. A large number of patterns and colors can be found on them. The other part of the shell is called the plastron.
Tortoise's shells differ from those of turtles. The former is optimized to catch as much sun as possible. It also provides protection from predators who struggle to grab the rounded dome. In the case of turtles, the shell is designed in a flatter way, which enhances the swimming performance.
In sunny environments, tortoises will get vitamins directly from the sunlight. These vitamins are a critical element for the tortoises. By combining them with an herbivorous diet, they are able to get the calcium and proteins that they need. In environments where the sun is not as present, tortoises adopt a more omnivorous diet to get a more balanced nutrient intake.
Some tortoises live in fresh water habitats. Since parts of their skin can absorb oxygen, they can spend many months without getting back to the surface. However, most tortoises live on the land. They can sometimes survive without water during many years. They can also live in temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Buying a tortoise as pet requires significant space. Throughout their entire life, they continue to grow. Some species, like the Galapagos tortoise, can reach up to 5 feet long (1.5 meters). You also need to be prepared to keep them for a very long time since they have the longest lifespans for animals kept as pets. Many will get as old as 100 years old.
Hopefully, these tortoise facts will help you see how interesting and unique these animals are.
Mother tortoises burry their eggs close to their burrow. They are very motherly. This behavior contrasts significantly from their cousins the turtles. After about 4 months of incubation, the kids hatch out of their eggs go find their mother who takes care of them for the first few months of their lives.
There are 40 species of tortoises, almost each of which can be identified by the shape and patterns found on their carapace. The carapace represents the upper part of the shell. A large number of patterns and colors can be found on them. The other part of the shell is called the plastron.
Tortoise's shells differ from those of turtles. The former is optimized to catch as much sun as possible. It also provides protection from predators who struggle to grab the rounded dome. In the case of turtles, the shell is designed in a flatter way, which enhances the swimming performance.
In sunny environments, tortoises will get vitamins directly from the sunlight. These vitamins are a critical element for the tortoises. By combining them with an herbivorous diet, they are able to get the calcium and proteins that they need. In environments where the sun is not as present, tortoises adopt a more omnivorous diet to get a more balanced nutrient intake.
Some tortoises live in fresh water habitats. Since parts of their skin can absorb oxygen, they can spend many months without getting back to the surface. However, most tortoises live on the land. They can sometimes survive without water during many years. They can also live in temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Buying a tortoise as pet requires significant space. Throughout their entire life, they continue to grow. Some species, like the Galapagos tortoise, can reach up to 5 feet long (1.5 meters). You also need to be prepared to keep them for a very long time since they have the longest lifespans for animals kept as pets. Many will get as old as 100 years old.
Hopefully, these tortoise facts will help you see how interesting and unique these animals are.
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For all things related to tortoise facts, then go no further than visiting Alan Stables's websites on tortoise names and tortoise housing. There is something for everyone who loves tortoises.
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