I love turtles and everything about them. From their shells to their silly personalities. Although it does not seem like it, turtles have a lot of personality which is one of the many reasons that makes them as great as they are. They are one of my favorite animals, and here are some of the reasons why!
1. Their shell is a part of their skeleton.
Contrary to popular belief, turtles cannot actually come out of their shells. It is a part of them and grows with them, so they can never "outgrow" their shell.
2. Most of them can retract their entire head into their shells.
Some species are unable to put their heads completely in their shell. However, it is more common than not.
3. They are one of the oldest living reptiles.
They have been on Earth for about 220 million years! They were even around before dinosaurs when extinct.
4. Their diet changes as they get older.
When turtles are first born, they have a protein diet, so they eat mostly worms and fish; it helps with their growth and development. Once they reach full size, however, their diet changes to eating mostly plants.
5. Turtles have a long lifespan.
It is not uncommon for them to live over 100 years old. The oldest one in history lived to be 188.
6. Turtles can hold their breath for hours underwater.
Even though they can, they usually don't do this. They usually come up for air every 5-10 minutes.
7. The Leatherback Sea Turtle can run up to 6 MPH.
And everyone says turtles are slow. Psh, they can move pretty fast.
8. Turtles live on every continent except Antarctica.
Turtles mostly live in warmer climates and Antarctica is too cold to support them.
9. Sea turtles sometimes visit where they were born.
Female sea turtles often times are found going back to the same beach where they were born.
10. Turtles can cry.
No, they are not sad. Sea turtles have salt that gets into their eyes, so they cry to remove it.
11. The temperature can influence their gender.
There are usually more female hatchlings when the environment the warmer and more males when it is cooler.
12. Sea turtle eggs look like ping pong balls.
Although they look like ping pong balls, do not play with them! Turtles are endangered, so not kill the unborn children!
13. They are adorable!
I mean, just look at it!
